Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Renault exonerated from Sainz retirement

While he was steadily progressing up the field and looked set to score a handful of points, Carlos Sainz Jr. suddenly ground to a halt on lap 32 in last Sunday's British Grand Prix, which in turn activated the Virtual Safety Car procedure.

It was initially thought that the Toro Rosso's Renault engine may have been the culprit but upon further analysis conducted by the team back at its factory, it appears an electrical failure was the cause of Sainz' retirement.

The team did not provide any additional details related to the problem although it did specify that the malfunction was outside the realm of Renault's responsibility.

The explanation enticed Renault Sport Cyril Abiteboul to respond on Twitter by thanking the STR squad for its clarity. "Very fair from STR. It means that we can keep our focus on bringing performance".

Click here for a lighter look back at some scenes from the British Grand Prix

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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.