Force India's Szafnauer hails team's remarkable run to fourth

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Force India secured its fourth place in the 2017 F1 Constructors' standings with another double points-finish on Sunday in Mexico.

The team's consistency this year has been nothing short of remarkable, thanks in no small part to the outstanding efforts of Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, two of the most reliable drivers on the grid.

For the second year running, Force India proved to be "best of the rest" behind F1's Mercedes-Ferrari-Red Bull tenor trio, an achievement made all the more remarkable by the fact that the Silverstone-based outfit's budget is nowhere near comparable to the funding enjoyed by its rivals.

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"I think we have the smallest budget of anybody in Formula 1," said Force India Chief Operating Officer Otmar Szafnauer.

"That forces us to do some things differently, and maybe look at things differently than some of the others.

"It's not easy, and next year will be even more difficult. I'm grateful to everybody at Silverstone, that's where most of the work happens.

"What the world sees is what we do here. I've got to thank the entire team,and the guys and girls at Silverstone have done a fabulous job this year, especially to keep on developing the car like we have until the end."

Force India deputy team principal Bob Fernley was equally ecstatic over the pink panther team's accomplishments this season.

"It’s fantastic to confirm fourth place in the championship with a competitive race in front of so much support from the Mexican fans," said Fernley.

"This result is another demonstration of the progress we have made this season and fourth place in the championship for the second year in a row is a wonderful reward for the entire team."

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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.