Inexperience not a deficit for Williams in modern era F1 - Mansell

Nigel Mansell believes Williams won't necessarily suffer from its inexperienced 2018 driver line-up thanks to Formula 1's modern day technology.

This year, the Grove-based outfit will field the youngest line-up in its history with 19-year-old Lance Stroll and 22-year-old-rookie Sergey Sirotkin, with the Russian preferred to comeback man Robert Kubica.

"In years gone by, without the computer aids, I'd be concerned by two young drivers in the team," Mansell told Motorsport.com.

"That is not so much the case now with so many support engineers and so much information.

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"A Formula 1 car, until it is handed over to the driver at a certain speed, drives itself now. So they will get a lot of support.

"I hope the car is good and that there'll be some races where they can shine. I hope they don't fall down the grid."

Despite Kubica's limited role this season as Williams' development driver, which will see the Pole conduct simulator work as well as pre-season and in-season testing, and enjoy a few FP1 outings, Mansell believes the 32-year-old's contribution could fast-track Sirotkin and Stroll's knowledge.

"It depends how much experience a driver has got of winning and competing at a high level," said Mansell.

"Competing at a high level is one thing, winning at a high level is another thing.

"I find it interesting having been teammates with world champions and working with all of them closely, you tend to learn an awful lot real quick.

"You have more insight. It always interests me to get someone else's perspective."

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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.