F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel gets precautionary engine change for qualifying

Ferrari is playing it safe by changing Sebastian Vettel's power unit ahead of qualifying following an issue which emerged in free practice.

The German was told to drive his car slowly back to the pits without changing gears in the closing stages of the session Saturday.

An 'electronic malfunction' was diagnosed by the Scuderia but ultimately it was decided to proceed with a replacement of the car's ICE unit.

Vettel takes on his fourth and final ICE of the season, and therefore will incur no penalty.

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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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