Nervous Wolff 'might have a little chat' with Bottas and Hamilton

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If there's one thing Toto Wolff hopes to avoid at the start of Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, it's a repeat of the nightmare scenario the Mercedes boss endured in Barcelona in 2016.

That year, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton who had locked out the front row of the grid took each other out on the opening lap of the race, inflicting shame and embarrassment on themselves and their team.

Runaway pole in Spain 'an adrenaline rush' for Bottas

With Valtteri Bottas and Hamilton once again heading the grid tomorrow, Wolff is hoping for a drama-free run off the line and a clean first lap. And to make sure of that, he may well address a few stern words of advice to his drivers on Sunday morning.

"A bit nervous is probably the right state of mind," Wolff said when asked by Sky F1 if he felt a bit skittish about Sunday's start.

"They know how important it is tomorrow to stay out ahead in Barcelona as it is a track where it is difficult to overtake.

"So I hope, I hope we will not be coming back to 2016. But these guys [Lewis and Valtteri] are in a totally different place with each other.

Asked if Mercedes will be playing a video of the infamous Hamilton vs Rosberg incident during the team's pre-race briefing, Wolff replied: "We might have a little chat about that but they know exactly [what not to do]."

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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.