Ferrari wrong not to chase Verstappen - Briatore

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Flavio Briatore believes Ferrari missed out on an opportunity to sign Max Verstappen, the "only real driver people want to see", says the flamboyant Italian.

Briatore, who oversaw championship wins by Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso at Benetton and Renault, says it was a blunder on the part of Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne not to secure the services of the 20-year-old Dutchman who extended his contract with Red Bull until 2020.

"I don't know what (Sergio) Marchionne will do, he is unpredictable," said Briatore.

"But with Raikkonen you will never win the constructors' title," the former team boss told Italy's RAI radio.

Not Schumacher's finest hour...

"To win you need two good drivers, and Ferrari does not have that," he insisted.

"I would sign Verstappen with my eyes closed. He is the only real driver that people want to see -- a gladiator that they do everything to penalise in every race."

Briatore praised Lewis Hamilton however for his triumph this season as he claimed his fourth world title.

"This year he was more motivated on the track than in the disco," said Briatore who, as the proud owner of the Billionaire Club franchise, knows a thing or two about discos.

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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.