Wolff piles on the pressure: Red Bull 'the team to beat' in Monaco

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Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff has put the burden of winning in Monaco firmly on Red Bull, insisting the Principality's high downforce street circuit will cater to the strengths of its rival's RB16B.

Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have won three of the four opening races so far, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen prevailing in the second round at Imola.

"The first couple of races have provided us with both wheel-to-wheel and strategic battles for victory," said Wolff in Mercedes' Monaco GP preview.

"Spain was far from a perfect weekend for us and there are lots of learnings to take forward, but nevertheless, to come back from a 2-4 on lap one and score a 1-3 was a very strong result and one we can be proud of as a team. "

But despite the Brackley squad's edge, Wolff is convinced the Milton Keynes based-outfit will be the team to beat upon F1's return to Monte Carlo after a two-year absence.

"There's really no race like it and it was hugely missed last year - we can't wait to be back in action on the streets of Monte Carlo!" added the Austrian.

"It's such a unique, intense weekend for the drivers and the team, with no margin for error. It puts the fire under your ass, and we love the challenge!

"Monaco is a high downforce track and we know that's a key strength of Red Bull. They were very quick in sector three in Spain and that's often a good indication of strong performance in Monaco.

Read also: Red Bull 'needs to make sure' it beats Mercedes in Monaco

"So, we head into the weekend knowing they are the team to beat, whilst also knowing we'll face strong competition from some of the other teams, too.

"But, just like the season so far, we're enjoying the hunt."

Wolff said that two years on from the passing of Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, the great F1 legend will inevitably be in his team's thoughts this week.

"The last time we were racing in Monaco was shortly after Niki's passing. So, he won't be far from our thoughts this year, either."

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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.