Mercedes to cater to Bottas' needs with new car - Lauda

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Mercedes' 2018 charger will be better suited to Valtteri Bottas' driving style according to non-executive chairman Niki Lauda.

In his maiden year with the German team, the Finn ramped up his performance and achieved his first win in Russia before repeating the feat in Austria.

But his form gradually slumped thereafter while team mate Lewis Hamilton's form continued to ascend as he took the reins of the world championship battle.

Bottas 'definitely not happy' with results but working hard to improve

Bottas' relative weakness compared to his world champion team mate has been pinned on a driving style which has been at odds with the Silver Arrows W08, something the German team will change next year with its new design.

"At the start, the car was suitable for both drivers," Lauda told Finnish broadcaster C More.

"But through development it became more suitable for Lewis' driving style."

Lauda said that while Bottas, 28, tried to adapt his style to suit the latest iteration of Mercedes' 2017 car, it is now up to the team to correct the situation.

"The reason for what happened is more our fault than Valtteri's," said Lauda.

"The car for the coming season will suit not only Lewis' but also Valtteri's driving style," he promised.

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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.