Force India incensed with Hulkenberg time penalty

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Force India COO Otmar Szafnauer says the stewards' decision to hand out a five-second time penalty to Renault's Nico Hulkenberg "makes a mockery of the sport".

Shortly after the start, while battling wheel to wheel with Sergio Perez, Hulkenberg cut a corner and gained an advantage over the Mexican.

The move did not go unnoticed by the stewards who chose to hit the Renault driver with a time penalty rather than force Hulkenberg to give back the position, a decision which did not go down well with Force India.

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"They gain a place in the constructors championship which means more money for next year," Szafnauer said to Sky Sports.

"It makes a mockery of the sport to have it so inconsistent. I think Hulkenberg should have given the place back just like the same thing he did to Grosjean.

"I don't know what the FIA are thinking. It's really difficult to understand when the decisions are all over the place."

Sergio Perez was equally unhappy with the call.

"The way he got back the position was very unfair," said Perez.

"I was ahead of him and he just left the track and gained an advantage. That's quite good when you have more pace than the other car, to cut the track and gain an advantage.

"I don't think the penalty was good – he should have given back the position."

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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.