Feature

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 Qatar GP

Franco Colapinto, Williams (Retired, lap 1): 5.5/10
After racking up several significant repair bills for Williams recently, Franco Colapinto appeared on his best behaviour in Qatar, returning his car after each session without a bruise or scratch to account for. And then came race day. But this time, the young Argentinean was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time on the run down to Lusail’s Turn 1. An out-of-control Nico Hulkenberg rammed Alpine’s Esteban Ocon who then crashed with Colapinto. Both were collateral damage. But it was more scrambling for spare parts for the Williams team.

 

Esteban Ocon, Alpine (Retired, lap 1): 5/10
Esteban Ocon’s Qatar Grand Prix was a story of early exits, with the Frenchman’s demise on the opening lap of the race followed by the announcement that he will not be racing with Alpine in this week’s season finale in Abu Dhabi. Like Colapinto, there was little Ocon to do to avoid getting caught up in a melee at Turn 1 caused by Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg. However, a better performance in qualifying would have placed him higher up the grid and likely out of harm’s way.

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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.

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