F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Rosberg not missing F1... but takes a dig at Bottas

Nico Rosberg says he has no regrets about retiring from Formula 1 as he paid a visit to the sport and to his former rivals in Suzuka this weekend.

The reigning world champion was happy to accept a pundit role with Sky Sports F1 in Japan, but that's as far as it will go for the retired driver.

"I watch the races but I am still on a super-high from last season and I am looking forward to my next steps," he said.

"I am exploring opportunities, like doing TV work to see if I enjoy it. I am doing other new things, such as managing Robert Kubica."

Indeed, Rosberg's management team is supporting the Pole's efforts to realize a sensational comeback, with William seen as his main opportunity.

"I am very excited about this because the two best drivers I saw in my 20 years in motor racing were Robert and Lewis," said Rosberg.

The German admitted that he hadn't spoken with former arch-rival and foe Lewis Hamilton "in a while", but was backing the British driver in the title fight.

"I haven't spoken to Lewis for a while, he's all over the place," he said.

"Lewis is the strong favourite for the title. He is driving very well, the momentum is with him, the car is good.

"You could see getting pole here meant a lot to him, more than you might think when he has so many of them. "

As for the man who replaced the world champion at Mercedes, Rosberg recognized that Valtteri Bottas appeared to be in a " small crisis" which, he says, the Finn should less publicize.

"From my point of view, it is not ideal that Valtteri talks publicly about his problems, because that creates a wave of its own and it doesn't help," he said.

"I think it's better to keep that to yourself but he's going to do it in his own way, he's a great driver."

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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.

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