Rosberg ripe for title, says Mika Hakkinen

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Two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen believes that Nico Rosberg's time has finally come.

The former McLaren driver has been acquainted with the Mercedes stalwart since he was a young child, as Hakkinen career was managed by none other than countryman and Nico's father, Keke Rosberg.

"I remember him walking around as a four or five-year-old with a small helmet in his hand saying 'Goodbye, I'm going to drive my go-kart'," said Hakkinen in an interview with Germany's Spox.

"When I see him now, I'm very proud of him."

Rosberg has blitzed the oppsoition so far this year with three successive wins - and six since 2016, awarding himself a 36-point lead over arch-rival and Mercedes team mate Lewis Hamilton.

"The talent was always there. But now he has the goal clearly in mind that says with conviction 'Yes, I want to be world champion!'"

"Probably not everything is explained by chance," said Hakkinen, alluding to the fact that the 30-year-old Rosberg is in his sixth F1 season, a milestone which also brought Hakkinen his first title, and at the same age.

"In everything, but especially in Formula 1, it takes time before you are ready to win. Put it this way - even if your own head says you want to be world champion, it doesn't mean that you are really ready for that.

"This step is made not just like that, but with all your conviction and every fibre of your body, and is more challenging than most people believe. So my answer is yes, he is ready for the world title."

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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.