Rosberg: 2017 Mercedes will be revolutionary!

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Before his shock retirement announcement, Nico Rosberg was given clearance at Mercedes' factory in Brackley to check out the team's 2017 challenger.

And what the reigning world champion saw was mighty impressive to his eyes, although it failed to entice him to remain a Grand Prix driver.

"For the eye, it looks great, it's going to be enjoyable for them to drive, it will be faster," was the German's initial reaction.

"It will shuffle things up as every team has to start from scratch, it's not an evolution, it's a revolution. Every team starts from zero on a blank sheet of paper to build this car, it'll be exciting to see who's fastest."

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With the top teams starting design and development almost a year in advance, Mercedes new car was obviously in an advanced stage when Rosberg discovered it.

"In November, I had the opportunity to see a model of the future car in the wind-tunnel. I therefore got a detailed look of what it will look like, and it was really impressive."

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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.