Hamilton: About the man on the other side of the garage...

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Lewis Hamilton isn't in the habit of missing the presence of a departed team mate, and that obviously includes retired world champion Nico Rosberg.

As he embarks on his eleventh F1 season, the three-time world champion will be paired with his fifth different team mate, but it may take a bit of time for him to get used to the man sitting on the other side of the Mercedes garage.

"It’s definitely going to feel strange being in the garage and seeing someone else in the car,” says Hamilton.

"But one day, when I leave, another driver will come along and initially, perhaps, it’ll feel strange too. But you soon get used to what you have.

"I don’t think I’ve ever missed a team mate in my life. There’s always another one who takes their place."

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As he gets acquainted with his new team mate, Hamilton says he's looking forward to working alongside Valtteri Bottas.

"Valtteri seems to have settled in quite comfortably already in a short space of time and now he’s working really hard with all the engineers.

"There’s a lot of positive energy with him in general, so I’m excited to work with him.”

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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.