Anthony Hamilton warns Bottas of potential demise

Anthony Hamilton believes that anybody who goes up against his son is potentially putting their career in jeopardy.

The father of the three-time world champion and Mercedes driver issued the warning to Hamilton's new team mate Valtteri Bottas, adding that the Finn will be dealing with a man currently at the top of his game.

"Anybody who goes up against Lewis needs to have planned their career correctly because it could be a career-ending move when you go up against Lewis," Hamilton Snr told Sky Sports News HQ.

"I personally think, while he's getting older and more mature, he's still actually heading towards the prime of his career. So Lewis is going to be a force to be reckoned with this year."

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Anthony Hamilton insisted that after losing last year's title to team mate Nico Rsberg, his son's motivation is as strong as ever.

"Lewis only ever thinks about winning," he said.

"He's happy for Nico, like we all are to be quite honest. We've known him a long time and Nico has really worked hard.

"You need a little bit of luck along the way, and he's had that, but I think Lewis is just looking forward now to winning the championship back on his own merit."

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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.