Brawn still a believer: 'Vettel can win it!'

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Ross Brawn is convinced Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel can bounce back and win the 2017 world championship despite the ground lost in Singapore.

Pundits expected a Ferrari triumph and a Mercedes defeat at Marina Bay, but circumstances turned it the other way around, with Lewis Hamilton now leading the title fight by a cool 28 points.

Formula 1's sporting manager, who spearheaded Ferrari's incredible success during the Schumacher era, isn't giving up on Vettel however and is backing the German to recover from his current deficit.

"The world championship is by no means over," said Brawn.

"There are still six races to go. Vettel and Ferrari are so strong that they can still win the world cup on their own power."

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Brawn admits he has a soft spot for Vettel and Ferrari, saying the pairing reminds him of his good times at Maranello alongside Michael Schumacher.

"It's inevitable that Sebastian and Ferrari remind me of my time at Ferrari," he admitted.

"Sebastian resembles Michael very much in the way he stands by the team and sees himself as part of the whole. And I recognise the same discipline and focus in bringing Ferrari back to the top.

"It will remain a tough battle between Lewis and him, but if he does it, he will have earned it," Brawn said.

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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.