Bottas working hard to improve 'up and down balance sheet'

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Valtteri Bottas is working hard to become a better and more consistent performer in Formula 1 in 2018.

The Mercedes driver secured his first three race wins last season but was left at a fair length from team mate Lewis Hamilton in the championship.

Bottas has kicked-off his preparation for this year's campaign, training hard at home in Nastola, Finland in the ice and snow, and sharpening his mind and body for the challenges which await ahead.

Wolff: Bottas has 'no excuse' for not matching Hamilton in 2018

"I think the balance sheet is a bit up and down for me," he said when asked about 2017.

"There were many good moments but many disappointments as well. Lewis won the title as my teammate so we had a car to do it and he beat me.

"So I've learned a lot and that's why I'm really looking ahead."

Despite a performance slump last summer, Bottas believes he drove well in 2017 but acknowledged the need to improve the "details" and "consistency" throughout a season.

"I think the difficult races were the ones where I learned the most," he said.

"I feel last season gave me a lot to work on to be a better person and driver and that's always positive.

"That's why I can't wait for the future," said Bottas.

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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.