Raikkonen gets a bad rap from Briatore

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Flavio Briatore believes Ferrari was wrong to extend Kimi Raikkonen's contract, believing the Finn's contribution to the Scuderia has fallen short of requirements.

Mercedes claimed its fourth consecutive Constructors title in Austin last weekend, with three races to spare, and Briatore believes that is a direct result of an imbalance with Ferrari's driver line-up.

Raikkonen dismisses critics of 2017 performance

"Certainly it is very difficult to win the constructors' title with Raikkonen," the Italian told the Spanish daily Marca.

"To win, you must have two drivers who are competitive and then you identify who should win the drivers' championship," he added.

The flamboyant former F1 manager admitted however that the Scuderia was up against a fierce competitor, and one which rightly deserves its formidable success.

"You win and lose races, but a championship is more like the Giro d'Italia," said Briatore.

"Lewis and Mercedes have been the strongest, even if Ferrari did very well at the beginning. But I think Mercedes did the better job in development," he added.

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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.