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If nothing goes wrong, Rosberg will be champion - Lauda

Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda believes that barring any issues which may affect the reliability of his car, Nico Rosberg will clinch the world title.

On the back of Rosberg's ninth win this season, Lauda conceded that it will now be difficult for Lewis Hamilton to catch his team mate, despite the fact that the defending world champion overcame earlier in the season a deficit superior to his current 33-point gap with his team mate.

Lauda highly doubts that the Brit now has a chance of turning his fortunes around, unless an exceptional dose of misfortune should stop Rosberg in his tracks.

"Nico is doing everything right at the moment," explained Lauda.

"If everything is going normal, the championship could be decided in the next few races, and Lewis won't be able to catch Nico any more. This is perfectly clear to me."

While the number of points on hand in the last four races mean that it is possible for Hamilton to retain his crown, it is not probable, according to the legendary Austrian.

"It is only lost and won when the points are gathered," he concluded.

"But if nothing happens to either car, I don't think Lewis will be able to turn it around again."

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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.