Hartley not obsessing over Mexico presence

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After his baptism of fire in Austin, Brendon Hartley isn't forcing the issue when it comes to racing or not with Toro Rosso in Mexico next weekend.

The F1 rookie acquitted himself well in Austin for his maiden Grand Prix experience, keeping his nose clean and out of trouble for a run to P13, some 27 seconds behind team mate Dany Kvyat.

Red Bull's Helmut Marko now finds himself with three drivers - Kvyat, Hartley and Pierre Gasly - and two seats for next weekend, but the Kiwi isn't losing any sleep over the prospect of heading south or heading home.

F1i's Driver Ratings for the US Grand Prix

"Up until this moment I haven't been asking the question," said the 27-year-old.

"And it was the same when they called me up to do a simulator test. I didn't want to know, I just did the job, and that's how I've taken this weekend.

"I've actually been really relaxed and I'm happy I did it that way. I guess now there might be some conversations. I really don't know. You'll have to ask them."

The Porsche factory driver certainly had his work cut out for him with so much to learn and take in. Regardless of the outcome, it was a highly positive experience.

"So many experiences I can take going forward, if I get an opportunity," he said.

"At the end of the last stint I started to understand a bit more, and was pretty happy with the performance.

"There's always things you can do better. If I was to do the race again tomorrow, with the experience I've gained, I would do some of it a bit differently."

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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.