Verstappen spurred on by anger at Ricciardo, says father Jos

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Jos Verstappen says a healthy dose of anger helped his son power to a dominant fifth career win in Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix.

Verstappen Sr. said the Red Bull driver's determination on race day was fueled by his missing out on pole position on Saturday, when he was pipped by team mate Daniel Ricciardo, the Aussie depriving the 21-year-old from becoming the youngest poleman in the history of F1.

'Sleepless' Verstappen never under pressure in Mexico

"I saw him on Sunday morning and he told me straight away that he had slept very badly," Jos Verstappen told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport.

"Max was annoyed about the car and missing the pole. But also by Ricciardo," he revealed.

"He [Ricciardo] celebrated his pole position with the exuberance of having become world champion. Max was very angry and wanted only one thing: to win."

Despite his barn burner lap that allowed him to lead the field off the line on Sunday, Ricciardo was overhauled by his team mate and Lewis Hamilton into the first corner.

The Renault-bound driver eventually worked his way back up to second only to endure a frustrating eighth retirement ten laps from the checkered flag, sidelined by a clutch failure.

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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.