Video: A special message from Valtteri Bottas

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The new man at Mercedes has a twinkle in his eye as he addresses fans to deliver a special message the day after his long awaited confirmation.

Don't let appearances deceive you however. He may be a laid back, no-nonsense guy away from a race car, as Toto Wolff puts it, but out on the race track he's a roaring lion!

We'll be happy to see exactly how ferocious he'll be when he measures up to the man on the other side of the Mercedes garage.

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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.