Raikkonen helpless in Ferrari double disaster

Kimi Raikkonen says he could have done nothing to avoid the dramatic first lap collision which took out the Ferrari squad and Max Verstappen at the start of the Singapore GP.

The Finn enjoyed a rocket launch off the line when the lights went green at Marina Bay. As Raikkonen gained and overtook Max Verstappen on his left, the Red Bull driver was sandwiched by Sebastian Vettel on his right.

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"I don’t think I could have done anything differently to avoid it," Raikkonen told Sky F1.

"I made a good start but then, unfortunately, got hit and out race was done which is a shame.

"I knew where Max was and whatever the cause of the accident was, it doesn’t change very much. The result is what it is."

All three drivers retired from the race as a result of the clash, and were summoned to the stewards to be heard on the incident, but no further action was taken.

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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.

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