Ocon piles on more points with perfect strategy

Just like his Force India team mate, Esteban Ocon added points to the team's tally for the fourth consecutive time this season.

But in Russia the French driver raced beyond his regular P10 finish, all the way up to an impressive seventh place finish.

The 20-year-old 'pink panther', who lined up ninth on the Sochi grid, tucked in behind team mate Sergio Perez at the start and pretty much followed his every move to the checkered flag.

"I'm really happy with the result, and really happy for the team as well," said Ocon with a broad smile on his face.

"From the crew, the pit stops, the engineers, everyone did a fantastic job which made for a really smooth weekend. So I'm really happy with the performance."

Oocn admitted that his first stint on Pirelli's ultra-soft compound was difficult, to the point where he implored his team to bring him in for a change, a request they fulfilled.

"I was struggling on the ultra-softs quite a lot in the beginning, and had a difficult start as well, losing some positions straight away.

"I managed to gain some on the first lap again in three corners, which was not easy but I had to because it's so difficult to overtake. And then all went as planned. Perfect strategy by the team."

Gallery: All the action from Sunday in Sochi

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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.