Hamilton and Mercedes nominated for 2019 Laureus Awards

Another year, another nomination for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton for the Laureus World Sports Awards which takes place in Monte-Carlo on February 18.

The Mercedes squad enjoys its fifth consecutive nomination in the Laureus World Team of the Year category, having won the prestigious trophy last year for its outstanding success in 2017.

The German squad will be up against a scintillating array of competitors however that will include FIFA World Cup-winning French Men's Football Team, the Real Madrid Football Team, NBA champions Golden State Warriors, the European Ryder Cup squad and Norway's Winter Olympic Team.

Wolff hopes 'serial winner' Mercedes won't lose its fans

"We're very proud to be nominated for the Laureus World Team of the Year Award," said Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

"The 2018 Formula One campaign was our most challenging season yet and we were only able to defend both Championships because of the determination, passion and hard work of every single member of our team.

"It's great to see this kind of team work being recognised and we're honoured to be named alongside some of the greatest sport teams in the world."

In the Sportsmen of the Year category, Hamilton lost out to tennis legend Roger Federer last year, but the Brit who secured his fifth F1 world title in 2018 should be a top contender next month against the football players Kylian Mbappé, Luka Modric, NBA legend Lebron James, tennis player Novak Djokovic and marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge.

The nominations are chosen by a panel of leading sports editors, writers and broadcasters, with the winners then being selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy.

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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.