Hamilton surprised by sudden Red Bull presence in his mirrors

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Lewis Hamilton says he was surprised to see Red Bull's drivers behind him on fresh tyres during the safety car period in yesterday's Chinese Grand Prix.

Mercedes elected not to pit its drivers at the outset of the race's neutralization, but both Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen made the change which delivered an instant grip advantage to the Red bull duo.

Glancing in his mirrors as the field lined up behind the safety car, a surprised Hamilton radioed in to his Mercedes crew.

"Is it me or are there drivers behind me on fresh tyres," he asked.

Lack of pace put Hamilton in 'no man's land' in China

The answer spelled trouble for the reigning world champion.

"I don't know if anyone was expecting them to be as quick as they were, after the safety car I stayed out," he said.

"Initially I was like 'okay this is good, I'm now right behind Seb, and maybe I have a chance, maybe there's a little bit of battle we can have to the end'.

"And I looked in my mirrors and the Red Bulls were right behind me on brand new tyres so I was like 'how the hell did that happen'."

Hamilton chose not to dwell on the matter, but admitted Mercedes had made the wrong decision.

"It doesn't matter now, it's done," he said.

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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.