Not content with pushing Daniel Ricciardo down the grid by five places following his gearbox change, the demon of bad luck crept in as the Aussie was joining the grid.

Ricciardo's Red Bull Racing RB13 appeared  to stall in sixth gear on its out lap, leaving car and driver stranded, and Aussie fans hugely disappointed.

Most bets were on a McLaren being the first car to retire but Red Bull could unfortunately hold that stinky honor.

The car is back in the garage however and a sensor issue on the gearbox has been diagnosed. If the system can be reset, Ricciardo still stands a chance of starting the race from the pitlane. If so, it should be a spectacular charge up the field for the Honey Badger.

That's all we're hoping for...

 

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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