Todt on team orders: Bottas 'more disciplined than Barrichello'

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FIA president Jean Todt, who often implemented team orders during his time at the helm of Ferrari, believes Mercedes' decision at Sochi was "honest and justified".

Todt was an attentive spectator of the Russian Grand Prix's ast weekend, and the unfolding of events in the Mercedes camp naturally reminded him of the infamous Austrian Grand Prix in 2001, when he ordered race leader Rubens Barrichello to hand his win to championship leader Michael Schumacher.

The decision was decried by the media and the fans at the time and led to a ban on team orders. That subsided however and the practice was later made legal was again.

"I saw what happened and it was an honest and justified decision," Todt told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The difference is that Bottas was more disciplined than Barrichello was in Austria in 2001.

Wolff on Bottas: 'A race-winning driver with integrity'

"All of this talk is absolutely meaningless, because team tactics are part of Formula 1. The only important thing is that it is not hidden from those who watch.

"It was always unpleasant for me to use tactics, but I always tried to handle those episodes with honesty," the Frenchman said.

Chiming in on the subject and last weekend's controversial call by Toto Wolff, former Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg believes team orders could have a bearing on Valtteri Bottas' confidence or frame of mind.

"It's really bad if you are labelled the number 2 driver," the 2016 F1 world champion told Germany's Sport1.

"Your self confidence goes and it's hard to deal with mentally.

"I hope for Valtteri that he comes out with some really good performances in the last races."

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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.