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Hamilton gave two thumbs up to Bottas move

Lewis Hamilton fully backed Mercedes' idea of replacing Nico Rosberg with Williams Valtteri Bottas says team boss Toto Wolff.

Following arduous negotiations between the two teams, Williams finally agreed to release Bottas who signed on Monday a one-year contract with the Silver Arrows outfit.

"Lewis said he thought Valtteri was a nice guy," Wolff said to Finnish commentator Oskari Saari.

"One of the guys he actually got along with well in Formula 1 and he felt he was a good option."

Bottas one-year contract keeps Mercedes options open

Wolff also believed that the tensions which permeated through the team last year as a result of Hamilton and Rosberg's ferocious rivalry would likely subside.

"I think that works well. It was okay already between Nico and Lewis, but there was the luggage of the past... Now it is a completely new relationship and there is no animosity.

"There will be moments where it is going to be difficult, but I think that how the personalities are for the team it's going to be a good situation and one that is maybe a bit easier to handle than the past. But I could be wrong."

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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.