Hartley kicks off F1 career with a grid penalty!

F1 rookie Brendon Hartley will likely make his Grand Prix debut from the back of the grid following an engine change at Toro Rosso.

Hartley thought his state of affairs was complicated enough for his maiden F1 race, but he'll have to contend with the extra challenge.

Hartley studies 50-page 'How to drive a Toro Rosso' manual!

Excessive mileage has forced an engine change at Toro Rosso, something that was actually known well in advance at the Faenza-based outfit.

The team has yet to determine the exact grid penalty number, but a complete power unit swap would lead to a 30-spot drop for Hartley.

Another Red Bull driver who could be facing a set-back on Sunday is Max Verstappen, although the team could opt to differ replacing components on the Dutch driver's power unit until Mexico.

"We’ll find out tomorrow," Verstappen said on Thursday.

"I’m not sure whether it’s going to happen here, or in the next races. You’ll hear it tomorrow."

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.