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Wolff admits Bottas contract delay comment 'was a wind up'!

The joke was on the media, according to Toto Wolff. The Mercedes boss says his comments about potentially delaying a decision on Valtteri Bottas' future until next winter were "a wind up".

Wolff surprised the F1 media in France when he was asked when he expected to make a call on whether Bottas or George Russell would be racing with Mercedes in 2022.

The Austrian replied that he was in no rush to decide the Brackley squad's line-up for next season, adding that a final decision could come as late as early next year!

Read also - Wolff: Tyre pressures were 'not a level playing field' for teams

But a mischievous Wolff backtracked on those comments on Saturday at Paul Ricard.

"It was a wind-up," he said. "Because you get asked this question so often."

Addressing the topic more seriously, Wolff said: "Two drivers for one seat, two drivers that still can have a great career in Formula 1.

"I want to just see Valtteri’s full potential this year and continue to observe George driving for Williams and handling their situation."

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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.