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Red Bull Racing retains Buemi as its 2019 reserve driver

Red Bull Racing is keeping Sebastien Buemi on its bench for 2019, the Swiss driver remaining the team's official substitute driver for an eighth consecutive year.

A long-time member of the Red Bull family, Buemi raced in F1 from 2009 to 2011 with Scuderia Toro Rosso, remaining in the wings ever since but also putting his skills to good use in the FIA Formula E championship, which he won with e.dams in 2015-16, and in the WEC with Toyota, wrapping up the title with the Japanese manufacturer in 2014.

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The 30-year-old also clinched an outright win at Le Mans in 2018, along with Toyota Gazoo team mates Fernando Alonso and Kazuki Nakajima. Along with his back-up duties for Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly, Buemi continues his involvement in Formula E and in the WEC in 2019.

"If there’s anything that aids a team’s quest for performance as it enters a new era of competition it’s continuity," said Red Bull.

"The ability to draw upon an experienced skill set that can expertly and accurately define a way forward is a key attribute in quickening the rate of development, pace and power.

"And there’s no better source of experience and continuity than our test and reserve driver Sébastien Buemi, for whom 2019 will represent a remarkable ninth year [it's eight actually] as a member of the Red Bull Racing driver roster."

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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.