Berger: Wehrlein should be Mercedes choice, not Bottas

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Gerhard Berger isn't all that impressed with Valtteri Bottas, and believes Mercedes should deliver the plum drive to protégé Pascal Wehrlein.

While we await for an epilogue to Mercedes' winter series 'Who should replace Noco Rosberg?' , the former Ferrari and McLaren driver says that it would have only made sense to promote junior driver Pascal Wehrlein to the coveted race seat.

"I would have taken Wehrlein to underline my own young driver programme," Berger told Auto Motor und Sport.

"Wehrlein always left a convincing impression in this programme. You will only see how good he really is when you put him in a top car."

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The Austrian legend said that, in his view, Bottas' performances relative to team mate Felipe Massa were not impressive enough to warrant a move to Mercedes instead of Sauber-bound Wehrlein.

"In comparison to Bottas, Wehrlein is a risk, for sure," Berger added.

"Therefore, maybe the clever solution is not the one that springs to mind first and foremost.

"I hold Bottas in high esteem. He's quick, a good team player, a nice person and he has earned the chance to prove himself.

"On the other hand he didn't destroy Massa enough for us to be saying: He's the right choice."

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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.