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'Team spirit the best we've ever had', says Paddy Lowe

The intense battle for the world title between Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton has taken nothing away from the German manufacturer's team spirit, according to Paddy Lowe.

With a massive showdown between the two drivers set for next weekend in Abu Dhabi, an agitated atmosphere opposing the two sides of the Mercedes garage would appear as likely as understandable. But tech boss Paddy Lowe begs to differ.

"I have to say both of them, despite what should be a very tense situation, they’re both in great shape, a very good mood, very professional, very good-humoured," Lowe told Motorsport.com

"We are the strongest we’ve ever been right now, with the best relationships, and the best team spirit we’ve ever had.

"You couldn’t wish for anything better at this point as we head into the championship finale.

As for a reliability glitch unfairly deciding next Sunday's outcome, Lowe admitted his wasn't troubled by this particular issue, convinced that Mercedes had done everything in its power to prevent failures.

"I don’t actually lose sleep over it, because I have the confidence of understanding that the team does a fantastic job to improve the underlying reliability.

"So while we will have failures from time to time, and we have had failures, actually we are at the most reliable we’ve ever been in this team.

"There may be an issue in Abu Dhabi, but if there is, it will be very uncharacteristic. I think we just go in there and we do our job as normal.

"I’m as confident as I can be that that'll give each driver a fair chance at the championship."

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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.