FIA to 'kerb' Verstappen's enthusiasm at COTA

The FIA has taken measures at Austin to prevent a repeat of the controversy that marred last year's US Grand Prix, when Max Verstappen was stripped of third place for exceeding track limits at COTA.

The Red Bull driver had overtaken Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen on the ultimate lap of the race following a bold maneuver that had seen the Dutchman cut Turn 17, with all four wheels off the track.

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Verstappen was subsequently hit with a five-second time penalty by the US GP stewards, a controversial decision that angered the driver and many F1 fans, the 21-year-old claiming in the aftermath of the incident that penalties were "killing the sport".

For this week's event, F1's governing body has therefore decided to install two new kerbs behind the apex of Turns 16 and 17, a move that should deter Verstappen or any other driver from pulling off a daring overtaking move on the inside of those zones.

Furthermore, there will be two DRS zones at COTA. The detection point of the first will be 150m after Turn 10, with the activation point 250m after Turn 11.

The second zone's detection point will be 65m after Turn 18, with the activation point 80mafter Turn 20, on the start/finish straight.

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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.