Bigger expectations but less pressure for Bottas

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Valtteri Bottas won't deny that expectations from Mercedes are high in his second season with the German squad, but he insists he isn't feeling increased pressure.

Despite reaping his first Grand Prix wins in 2017, the Finn was clearly dominated by his Silver Arrows team mate Lewis Hamilton, and the team's management has made clear they expect the 28-year-old to up his game if he is to retain his coveted drive at the end of 2018.

"I think now not being the rookie in this team, for sure the team is expecting more from me. So am I," said Bottas.

"I'm aiming for a better season than last year and for sure the team is hoping for me to perform better also this season, that's for sure."

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With 'bankable' drivers lurking in the wings, such as Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo or Force India's Esteban Ocon, one would expect Bottas to feel the pressure.

The Mercedes driver doubts however that his job will be any more taxing mentally than it was last year.

"I think last year going into the season, there was more pressure than now," he reveals.

"Still I have all the targets ahead of me and I'm still hungry for all the wins and success. So definitely less pressure than last year."

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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.