Winner Verschoor takes it all in Macau Grand Prix

©K.Y.Cheng

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©K.Y.Cheng

Dutch motorsport is pinning its hopes on Max Verstappen winning in Brazil on Sunday, but teenager Richard Verschoor has already given his countrymen a reason to rejoice.

Verschoor scored a resounding win in the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, the 18-year-old dark horse fending off race favourite Juri Vips after snatching the lead from the Red Bull junior at the end of a Safety Car intervention.

Despite his best efforts and the help of DRS, Vips was left trailing his worthy opponent at the checkered flag.

"I still really can’t believe it," enthused Verschoor. "It was a really tough race. Juri was very fast behind me. I think everything I could have done I did.

"I touched a wall a bit before the end so the last four or five laps were with a bent steering wheel and it was a bit exciting."

That’s win number one today for the Netherlands. Over to you Max…

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.