Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

There's still a long, long way to go - Hamilton

As "substantial" as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the gap is between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, the reigning world champion still believes there's a long road ahead this year.

Rosberg's three-win streak has awarded the German with a 36-point lead in the championship, and has been mostly the result of some bad luck and circumstances which has affected Hamilton's eraly season form.

"It's easy at any point in time in life to look at the negatives at one particular moment and think that all is gone but there's a long, long way to go," Hamilton said in a CNN interview.

"As long as I know I've given absolutely everything that's in my physical power and mental ability, as long as I've given everything, I can never be upset.

"Hopefully I've still showed that fighting spirit that I've always had since I was a kid. So another 18 races to go. Still got a great car. Still got a great team. It's important that none of us change anything."

While the Mercedes driver praised his team mate for his faultless season so far, he also believes Rosberg has had it relatively easy up to now, and that his supremacy may be short-lived.

"He's done a great job. I've not been there to really be in the fight with him. He's had pretty much a breeze for the last three races. Good for him.

"But he should enjoy it whilst it lasts, because you never know how long it's going to last..."

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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.