Not enough grid penalties? Just add a Renault duo...

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The back of Sunday's Italian GP grid is getting more popular by the hour with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg and Jolyon Palmer joining in on the fun.

Hulkenberg is handed a 10-place grid penalty for fitting a new MGU-H to his power unit while Palmer takes a new turbocharger and MGU-H which will send him 15 spots down the order.

Furthermore, Max Verstappen's initial 15-place drop penalty was boosted to a 20-place demotion following the installation of a new turbocharger.

It's grid penalties galore at Monza!

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo moves back 25 spots while Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso will line up respectively 10 and 35 places down from their qualifying result.

Ironically, although it's no laughing matter, the ridiculous penalty ramp up comes just days after F1 sporting manager Ross Brawn announced his intention to ditch the grid penalty system in the future.

In the interim however, 1/3 of the field is being demoted this weekend. A state of affairs which could make the rain a welcomed ally for some on Sunday.

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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.