Red Bull and Honda have Toto Wolff's full attention!

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Honda's spectacular progress over the winter with Red Bull has impressed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff who also welcomes a strengthened rivalry with the Milton Keynes-based.

In Melbourne, Red Bull's Max Verstappen brought Honda its first podium in F1 in over a decade. But digging in a bit deeper into the performance numbers of the Japanese unit, Wolff believes "a different Red Bull" has emerged.

"Honda has certainly made a huge step forward," said the Mercedes boss speaking to Formula1.com.

"If you look at the speed trace it looks like a very different Red Bull than before.

Marko elated with 'optimal Grand Prix' and Honda performance

"They are very fast on the straights and that is good to see because we want them in the mix and to have a great fight.

"I’m really happy for Honda. It’s their first podium since their return [to F1 in 2015] and they deserve it.

"They went through some really tough times. Seeing the Honda on the podium and seeing how happy the guys are is great."

Looking back at last Sunday's opening round of the 2019 campaign, Wolff took note of Verstappen's ability to swiftly deal with Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari and seal his spot on the podium.

"They were very strong," he conceded.

"You saw how they have eaten up Sebastian into Turn 3, the power was enormous.

"The combination with Red Bull will become a threat. Based on the level of performance, you must certainly have them in the calculation for the championship."

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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.