Marko would have given plum Mercedes drive to Wehrlein

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Mercedes choosing Valtteri Bottas as Nico Rosberg's replacement is still fueling a debate, with Helmut Marko the latest voice to chime in.

Red Bull's motorsport boss, who once elevated a 17-year-old to the rank of Grand Prix driver, says that he would have rather taken a chance on Pascal Wehrlein than go through the expense of poaching Valtteri Bottas from Williams.

"For us, we would have done differently, we would have trained a junior. No risk, no fun," the Austrian told motorsport-magazin.com.

Mercedes seat not in Wehrlein's best interest - Wolff

For some, Bottas could be defined as a clear number two alongside Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes, a situation which could lend itself to a lot less tension compared to last season's rivalry in the team.

Red Bull's competitive line-up could backfire on the other hand, with Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen racing so hard for the title that the pair would take points from each other and lose out to Hamilton.

"This danger is quite real," Marko admitted.

"But it does not change our racing philosophy or enthusiasm in any way. With us, there are no team orders. We are more racers than that."

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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.