Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsOpinion

Bernie bets on Hamilton for come-back and title

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In spite of his current 36-point handicap against Nico Rosberg and his lousy start to his 2016 season, Lewis Hamilton will once again win the world championship according to Bernie Ecclestone.

Speaking at the Advertising Week Europe during a one-on-one interview with advertising magnate and CVC's Delta Topco (the owner of Formula 1) board member Sir Martin Sorrell, Ecclestone ran through a series of topics.

Asked about who he thought would win the championship, F1's supremo said his money, which is as good as anybody's cash, is still firmly on Hamilton.

"It'll be Hamilton," Mister 'E' said confidently.

"He's extremely talented, he's a charming guy, and he's the best thing that happened to Formula 1 in a long time."

Ecclestone has never hidden his affection for the triple world champion, often highlighting the fact that Hamilton's rock star status is a welcome bonus for F1.

While on the subject of drivers, Bernie was also asked by Martin Sorrell who, in his view had been the best driver of all time.

"People always ask that question and it's difficult to answer because it depends where they are, or which car they're in.

"Stirling Moss who back then was by far the best driver always picked the wrong team to be in. He wanted to win the world championship for England, but other drivers, such as Fangio, they knew what car they wanted to be in."

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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.