The one driver Toto Wolff most admires

Asked in an interview with French paper Le Figaro to name his favourite F1 driver of all-time, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff offered a fairly predictable answer.

"I'm afraid it's not very original but I would say that Ayrton Senna has always been my favourite driver," explained Wolff.

"For me he was the greatest for his outstanding talent, his love of the sport and his incredible ability to focus on the job at hand.

"He was totally committed to his driving, and inspired so many young drivers."

Interestingly, when asked to name the top 3 drivers of 2016, Wolff offered a preliminary and then a final selection.

"I would say Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, for obvious reasons. As for third, I would have said Sebastian Vettel up until the Mexican Grand Prix, but after that race I'd say Daniel Ricciardo.

Wolff alluded to Vettel's attitude during the Mexican race in which he ranted over his radio about other drivers several times, and delivered at one point a colorful suggestion to race director Charlie Whiting.

"My choice reflects the driver/personality package. I wouldn't say that Vettel disappointed me as he isn't a Mercedes driver, so it isn't really my problem."

Kimi Raikkonen confesses a few deep dark secrets

A very capable driver in his own right who raced GT cars, Wolff was asked which driver he would have liked to be.

"Unfortunately, those I admired all had tragic destinies. So I'm not sure I would have liked to have been in their shoes.

"I feel comfortable with who I am. Obviously I didn't become the champion I was hoping to become but I have no regrets."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.