Verstappen handed 'public service' duty at Marrakesh ePrix!

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Max Verstappen will have an opportunity to check out the merits of Formula E in Marrakesh this weekend as part of his public service duties for his run-in with Esteban Ocon in Brazil last year.

Verstappen and Ocon came to blows at Interlagos after the event with the Dutchman shoving his rival in the drivers' weigh-in garage, accusing the then Force India driver of ruining his race.

F1's governing body would have none of it however, reprimanding Verstappen and handing the 21-year-old two days of public service.

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Reports suggest that the Red Bull Racing charger will work as an observer on Saturday alongside the FIA's panel of FE stewards officiating in Marrakesh, with former F1 driver Vitantonio Liuzzi acting as the FIA drivers' steward in Morocco.

"Max Verstappen will attend the Marrakesh E-Prix as a result of the stewards’ decision at the 2018 Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix," said the FIA in a statement.

"Verstappen will spend the day as an observer to the stewards, closely following their work at a top-level international motor sport event as part of the educational and informative approach taken by the FIA in this matter."

The FIA has not disclosed when or where Verstappen would serve his second day of public service.

Perhaps he will be asked to wave off the field at Le Mans next June!

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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.