Verstappen owns up: 'This way my mistake!'

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Max Verstappen admits his demise from FP3 Saturday morning and from qualifying was the result of an unforced error.

The Red Bull driver was trading fastest laps with team mate Daniel Ricciardo in the morning session when he clouted the barrier on the exit of the Swimming Pool complex in the closing stages of free practice.

His crew scrambled to repair his heaviliy damaged RB14 in time for qualifying but a gearbox leak ultimately prevented the Dutchman from taking part in the all-important session, an absence which means he will start Sunday's race at the back of the field, leaving him with a daunting task given Monaco's overtaking restrictions.

"I have to look at myself, l made a mistake. This was my mistake," Verstappen told Sky Sports.

"I got caught off guard [by a slower car] but that's not an excuse and I hit the wall." he continued.

Horner: 'Max smart enough to learn from brutal lesson'

The crash comes after a series of mishaps or incidents involving the 20-year-old.

"I wouldn't call Barcelona an incident. Together with China, this was my mistake. Of course it's not what you like to happen but it happens." Verstappen continued.

The Red Bull driver knows he has his work cut out for him at the outset on Sunday.

"I saw Daniel back on the Energy Station after quali and congratulated him on a great performance.

"We know we have pace here but it is so hard to pass and when you get held up there is little you can do."

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko believes the various incidents involving Verstappen since the start of the season are rooted in different causes. Today's mistake was the result of sheer impatience suggested the Austrian.

"He has to learn not always to drive flat out," Marko told BBC Sport.

"They are all different incidents but this one for sure is a very unnecessary one. I think he is not patient enough. He wants always to who he is the fastest but the result is only when you cross the line. He needs to be more patient, judge the situations better."

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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.