Vandoorne: McLaren results a reflection of 'where we're at'

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Stoffel Vandoorne not only started the Russian Grand Prix but he actually raced all the way to the checkered flag.

While the result was an improvement for the Belgian from Bahrain's DNS, a fourteenth place finish was nothing to write hope about unfortunately. Although it is a fair reflection of McLaren-Honda's current position in the pecking order.

"From my side, 14th position was pretty much the best possible result," he said.

"I had a decent start but had to avoid a first-corner accident, which meant I got a five-second time penalty for missing the markers at Turn 2.

"However, I don't think that did anything to change the result."

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Vandoorne ran at the tail-end of the field all afternoon, with just the Sauber pair of Marcus Ericsson and Pascal Wehrlein behind.

"It was a pretty normal race, we ran at our own pace, I did the maximum possible and I think 14th is a fair reflection of where we're at.

"Fernando not being able to start shows that there's still a lot of work to do on the reliability side – that's two races in a row where two McLarens haven't started.

"That's a shame, but at least we got to the finish – that meant a lot of learning for the team and a lot of learning for myself.

"But, in terms of pace, we're still not quick enough – that's for sure."

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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.