Vettel and Mercedes: 'We discussed it with him,' says Lauda

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Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda revealed that the German squad held talks with Sebastian Vettel earlier this year.

The current leader of the world championship has renewed his allegiance to Ferrari, extending his stay at Maranello for three more years, a deal which did not surprise Lauda.

"We discussed it briefly once with him, but the more competitive Ferrari goes the less the reason he would want to leave," Lauda told Sky after this morning's free practice session.

"So therefore we stopped right away a couple of months ago."

Vettel gets three more years with Ferrari!

Lauda suggested the discussions, which did not bear fruit, were perhaps a reflection of Vettel's will to galvanize his employer's engagement for 2018.

"I think every driver, if he's clever, talks to more than one team. Then when you negotiate you're in a better position. That's what he did."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.