Wolff wants Ferrari back in the fight

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While Red Bull Racing has become Mercedes' closest challenger over the summer, Toto Wolff admits he would like to see Ferrari consistently join the fight up ahead.

Following its restructuring at the end of the 2014 season and Sebastian Vettel's three wins last season, it was believed the Scuderia would rise to the occasion and properly upset Mercedes' dominance.

Unfortunately, Ferrari's ambitions have not yet come to fruition, which Wolff regrets.

"Ferrari is a great brand with capable people, and it would have been good fun to fight it out on track," said the Mercedes boss.

"For whatever reason, in the most recent races they haven't been able to perform to their levels - to the levels they expect to perform and we expect them to perform.

While he'll take his Silver Arrows dominance any day of the week, Wolff believes closer competition among the top teams would better serve Formula 1's interests.

"For me the battle with Ferrari would be great for Formula 1, and even if this sounds a little absurd, I was very much looking forward to it.

"I hope they find their strengths again and we fight it out on track."

The Mercedes boss isn't discarding the Scuderia altogether however, and believes next year's change of regulations may just revive the Italian outfit's luster.

"I don't think you can write Ferrari off. They have clearly had a tough time recently, and I think they switched off very early for 2017.

"Never underestimate a team with so much resources and so much passion. That would be my view."

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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.