F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Fired-up Verstappen doesn't want the season to end

If it was up to Max Verstappen, he would keep the momentum going and race his way all the way into the new year.

The Red Bull Racing driver's results have fallen short of his own expectations this year, through no fault of his own but on the account of several engine failures.

When not hindered by Renault's reliability woes, Verstappen has seen his form ascend and yield wins in Malaysia and Mexico. The young Dutch prodigy is hoping to keep it rolling at F1's season finale next week.

"We will of course try and end the season with a strong result in Abu Dhabi," he said.

"Last year was actually quite a good race after skipping a pit stop following a spin at Turn 1, it was hard to manage the tyres to the end of the race but we did it and finished fourth.

"I would say that my favourite part of the track is at Turns 2 and 3, the fast left, right. It's also very cool driving underneath the hotel and racing in the darkness with all the lights.

"The final sector at Yas Marina is actually quite technical so you have to be really precise there, but it should also be our strongest part of the track.

"There are quite a few overtaking opportunities to make the race interesting, before the long straight at the hairpin and then at the end of the straight under braking for the next chicane section."

The curtain will fall on the F1 field at Yas Marina, but the 20-year-old wouldn't mind remaining behind the wheel for a few more races.

"Abu Dhabi is the last race on the calendar, but I don't actually want the season to end. I'm really fired up at the moment and I just want to keep going.

"The nice thing will be to spend some time with friends and family over the winter break and then I will look ahead to January and get back in to training before it all starts again."

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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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