'Ferrari disappointing and Ricciardo impressive,' says Mark Webber

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Former Red Bull driver Mark Webber has been disappointed with Ferrari's performance to date, but believes the Italian squad may lift its performance level as soon as next week's Canadian Grand Prix.

Given the improvements it enjoyed last season although it remained at a fair distance from arch rival Mercedes, Ferrari was expected to bridge the gap with the German manufacturer this year, and perhaps even terminate its dominance.

But the Scuderia's performance level has been relatively disappointing so far with neither Sebastian Vettel or Kimi Raikkonen succeeding in achieving an outright victory in 2016.

"Ferrari have been the most disappointing team so far," Webber told British publication Somersetlive.

" They haven't really hit their straps at all, but I predict they'll get their season underway in Canada."

Currently, Webber's former team, Red Bull Racing, appears to be Mercedes' closest challenger while Daniel Ricciardo may be the man to beat in Montreal next weekend.

Webber, who now races in the World Endurance Championship for Porsche, praised his countryman's talent, while underlining the fact that his results this year have been diminished through no fault of his own, pointing instead to his team's mistakes.

"He's the form driver of the year in terms of the performances he's delivering and he can't do any more than that. It's part of the game unfortunately, and adversity comes with it."

"You have to take the big right hook on the chin sometimes, which is tough and he's had a couple of tricky weekends where he feels that he did everything he could.

"It's a bitter pill to swallow for a driver when you do everything you can and you don't get the result that you deserve, which can be frustrating, but he'll bounce back," Webber concluded.

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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.