Uh oh, Mercedes will have even more power in 2017!

©Mercedes

Force India's Andy Green just let the Mercedes cat out of its bag, revealing that its power unit supplier has made unprecedented progress over the winter!

Just as everyone was getting all exciting about having a leveled playing field line up in Melbourne, it may well be that the usual suspects will head the grid.

It is believed that Ferrari and Renault effort's over the winter have inched it closer to Mercedes in terms of power output, but Mercedes' own progress means it may still enjoy an edge.

Mercedes client Force India was promised more power by its supplier and Andy Green says they will get it.

"Oh yes. That is what we have been promised," said the Force India tech boss at yesterday's VJM10 launch.

"It is all part of the data input that goes into all our simulation data.

"Mercedes HPP [High Performance Powertrains] have done a fantastic job over the winter and made another unprecedented step. It is impressive."

Obviously, they are many other aspects factor in to a car's overall performance, but if a boosted and reliable power unit is bolted to the back of an aerodynamically efficient W08 chassis, we could be in for a long season.

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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.