Opinion

Zanardi dubious over Bottas' chances

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It's just another opinion in the Hamilton vs Bottas raging debate, but Alex Zanardi doubts Mercedes' new recruit has the chops to beat his fierce team mate.

Valtteri Bottas finds himself with a plum drive at Mercedes, one most drivers would kill for, but defying Hamilton will be a huge challenge for the Finn, let alone pulling off a 'Rosberg' and winning the world title.

"Hamilton has proved several times that he has an extra level compared to the others," Zanardi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Rosberg managed to beat him, but that was about his extra qualities. Bottas is a very good driver, no question, but he's not a Nico."

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Bottas himself has said that he has no inhibitions about going up against Lewis Hamilton, but Zanardi is unimpressed, and is looking elsewhere for a true challenge to materialise.

"For Lewis, this makes it all the easier for him to dominate the championship. Behind him I see better chances for Red Bull to chase Mercedes than Ferrari.

"I trust Daniel Ricciardo, and above all Max Verstappen, a lot," said Zanardi.

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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.