Lauda and Wolff expected to stay on at Mercedes

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Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team's Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff are both expected to retain their leading roles with the F1 outfit in the future.

Speculation had linked Wolff with an executive role with Liberty Media, the new owner of Formula 1, while Lauda's contract as non-executive chairman expires at the end of 2017.

"We very much enjoy what we do, which is the most important thing," Wolff told German television Sky. "We have good discussions and we'll see in which way it goes."

Lauda had no particular intentions of relinquishing his role with the German squad, saying that he would be more than happy to stay on if he is asked.

Wolff and Lauda appear to work well together at the helm of the Silver Arrows outfit, although when problems emerge, the latter admitted to sometimes different opinions, with Lauda often siding with the drivers.

"There are times when he (Wolff) wants to have very brutal rules and then I'm the softer one who says 'They are just racing drivers'," Lauda said.

"You must not manage them, but they also may not be left alone completely," Wolff added.

"The relationship between them goes in waves: there are obviously uncomfortable moments, after which they are not on very good terms with each other."

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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.