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Wolff: Valtteri will give it everything!

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes the arrival of Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes will create a new dynamic in the German manufacture's team.

While the Hamilton-Rosberg line-up reaped many fruits for Mercedes and its drivers over the past three years, huge tensions which often took their toll on team members were the price to pay for dominance.

"Valtteri is a no-nonsense guy: down to earth, straightforward and very focused," said Wolff.

"Pretty Finnish, to be honest, and a great fit for us. He has an impressive track record in the junior categories and nine podiums in F1.

"But now it's time for the next level, to see how he can step up to challenge for race wins and for championships.

"We know that we are already behind the curve in terms of preparations for the new season, so we've got a busy programme to get him integrated into the team.

"One thing is for sure: as I know Valtteri, he will give it everything."

Bottas concludes deal with Mercedes

The scale of the challenge ahead for Bottas given Formula 1's new regulations and the need to get accustom to a whole new environment are not lost on Wolff.

"We have confidence in Valtteri's ability and it's one of the reasons that he is the driver we set our sights on this winter," continued Toto.

"The next weeks will be busy as we work to build relationships so Valtteri understands the team and the car. But that's an exciting challenge that will bring us fresh energy and a new dynamic between the drivers.

"And, of course, we're working hard to give Lewis and Valtteri the car they need to do the job."

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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.