Hartley sent to the back of the class... again

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Abu Dhabi will see Brendon Hartley start his fourth F1 race, and for the fourth time this year the Toro Rosso rookie gets a grid drop.

The Kiwi's car takes on a ninth MGU-H this weekend and a 10-place grid demotion to boot.

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The penalty could prove costly as Toro Rosso is fighting to defend its sixth place in the Constructors' standings at the season finale, with both Renault and Haas breathing down its neck and determined to wrestle the spot at the Yas Marina venue, a feat which would yield a few million dollars more in prize money.

As the year reaches its end, engine supplier Renault is short on spare parts, and Red Bull, Toro Rosso and the works team are all keeping their fingers crossed and hoping failures don't materialize between today and Sunday.

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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.