'We are fully behind Bottas,' says Lauda

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Mercedes AMG F1 non-executive chairman says that the manufacturer is offering its full support to its new driver Valtteri Bottas.

The Finn is on a one-year contract with Mercedes, and is up against a monumental adversary in the person of Lewis Hamilton, but Lauda is providing as much guidance as possible to the Silver Arrows new recruit.

"Valtteri Bottas is pushing hard to be ready for the 2017 season," the Austrian F1 legend told Swiss newpaper Blick.

The triple-world champion says that year-to-date, he has been impressed with the Finn's general attitude and approach while settling in with his new team.

"I'm always on the phone with Bottas. He wants to know everything, which is motivating me as well. He is getting full support from all of us."

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On the subject of Mercedes' 2017 car, Lauda has seen the broad lines of the team's W08 challenger, and expressed his enthusiasm with the shape of things to come, believing that everyone will be happy with what they see when the car is unveiled on February 23.

"The fans will surely like what they see," he concluded.

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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.