Verstappen title chances boosted by shorter season - Rosberg

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Nico Rosberg believes that Max Verstappen would have a better chance of defeating Lewis Hamilton for the title in the event of a shortened 2020 F1 season.

The global coronavirus pandemic has forced Formula 1 to cancel or postpone the first eight races of the current campaign, with more events highly expected to be called off.

F1 hopes to re-instate some rounds later this summer to build a calendar of at least 15 races. And Rosberg believes a watered-down schedule could play right into the hands of Red Bull's Verstappen, the driver seen by many as Hamilton's greatest rival for 2020.

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"It increases the chances of there being a surprise champion if there's fewer races because then of course luck plays a bigger role," Rosberg told Sky Sports News.

"I always thought that Red Bull and Max Verstappen were really going to be in the hunt this year and really be able to annoy Mercedes in a big way and give them a run for their money.

"If there was a shorter season maybe his chances would be even bigger."

Formula 1 is currently mulling the prospect of extending the 2020 season into January of next year.

But the idea of holding two-race events has also been tabled, with Silverstone open to such a plan. However, Rosberg insists such a scheme would force some big challenges on the teams.

"It's completely different," explained the 2016 F1 world champion. "You've made plans for the season and then suddenly you have two races per weekend!

"That would change everything - the way you use your engines, everything is different.

"It's very, very complicated and certainly you would need a unanimous agreement between all the teams as well to make a change that big.

"But I think that's definitely possible, because everybody is open-minded and everybody wants to show the fans a great season.

"I think we could see some really nice coming-together now and them agreeing on some unusual idea to make it a great show nevertheless."

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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.