Kvyat taking on too much risk to save his seat - Alonso

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Fernando Alonso offered a plausible explanation for Dany Kvyat's ill-inspired maneuver at the start of yesterday's Austrian Grand Prix.

The Russian driver, who launched his race from P14 on the grid, came in way too fast into the entry of Turn 1, locking up his wheels under braking and punting Alonso's McLaren into Max Verstappen's Red Bull putting both cars out of the race.

The Toro Rosso driver was handed a drive-thru penalty for causing the collision but ultimately finished the race, crossing the checkered flag in 16th position.

Alonso was in no doubt that Kvyat had simply outdone himself.

"Obviously, we know at the start it is tricky from the middle of the pack, but in the first metres of the race it isn’t necessary to gain those extra metres," said the Spaniard.

"The guys behind, they need to prove [themselves] sometimes, their seats and their futures. They risk a little bit too much."

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The McLaren driver believes Kvyat was lucky to get away with just a drive-thru penalty given the dire consequences suffered by the innocent victims of his mishap.

"Obviously, it was the first corner and the people behind arrived a little bit too fast, they destroyed our race," said Alonso.

"We are here talking to you and not in the race car, so a drive through is probably a little bit of a small penalty. It’s the way it is. Hopefully the next one we are without problems into Turn 1."

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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.