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Mercedes not engaging in contract talks with Hamilton - Wolff

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff insist that there will be no contract talks with Lewis Hamilton over the course of the coming months.

Hamilton's contract with the German outfit runs until the end of 2018. Hamilton has hinted on occasion that he could quit the sport after next season, but rumors emerged in Spa that he was now ready to discuss an extension of his deal with Mercedes.

"Between Mercedes and Lewis there is a very good relationship," Wolff said last weekend.

"But we are not going to start talking about such topics now or at all before the end of the season.

"We have eight more difficult races ahead of us, so it's going to be a very intense period where it is not appropriate to have such discussions," Wolff added.

Wrong power mode helped Hamilton beat Vettel!

Hamilton's team mate, Valtteri Bottas, has yet to be confirmed for next year, but all indications are that the Finn will remain a Silver Arrows driver in 2018.

"It's a no-brainer as it stands for next year to continue with Valtteri," said the Mercedes motorsport boss.

"It is just down to the nitty gritty detail in the paperwork and see how it pans out in the future.

"I give it a pretty big chance he will be here next year."

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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.