Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Lauda denies rumors of quitting Mercedes

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team non-executive chairman Niki Lauda has nipped in the bud rumors of tension brewing between himself and the German manufacturer's motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

Following the Mexican Grand Prix, the Times had reported that not all was well between the two men, claiming that Lauda would be leaving the team possibly by the end of the season.

The story centered around post-race comments made by the former triple World Champion in Mexico which were labeled as 'unofficial' by a Mercedes AMG Petronas spokesperson who emphasized the fact that Lauda was "not an official team spokesperson" and that only Wolff had the authority the deliver official statements on behalf of the team.

Questioned by German paper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung about the claims, Lauda sweeped the gossip aside, saying that his relationship with Wolff was very good and that he had no intentions of leaving his duties.

"There are no discussions about this," Lauda said.

"I have a contract until 2017 and will honor it. I have no idea where the rumors came from. The ruth is that Toto and myself work together in perfect harmony. Everything is fine between us."

Technical analysis: Mexico

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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.