Palmer turns away big bucks to leave Renault early!

©WRI2

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Renault's Jolyon Palmer allegedly turned away a big offer from the French outfit to depart the team early and make way for the incoming Carlos Sainz.

The British driver is currently out of an F1 seat for 2018 following Red Bull's decision to allow Sainz to move to the French outfit for next season.

But Renault attempted to shoe in its new driver prematurely, and offered Palmer a rumored $3 million to vacate the seat for the remaining six races of the 2017 season!

Sainz 'smiling' over Renault's rapidly improving pace

The 26-year-old, advised by his father, Jonathan Palmer, apparently pushed for a hefty $7 million however, which Renault understandably declined to accept.

As for Sainz, the Spanish driver appears to be resolute on completing the season with Toro Rosso.

"No one has said anything about that to me," he told Onda Cero radio.

"I think it would be better to stay in Toro Rosso, completely focusing with the team on completing the season with good performances," Sainz added.

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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.