F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Williams set-up changes mean pitlane start for Kubica

Williams elected to make set-up changes to Robert Kubica's FW42 after the Pole's crash in qualifying, a decision that will force the driver to start his Azerbaijan Grand Prix from the pitlane.

Kubica was caught out by Baku's tricky Turn 8 in Q1, hitting the inside wall of the left-hand corner before clouting the barrier on the outside.

The impact brought more turmoil for the British outfit which was had just recovered from George Russell's manhole cover drama from Friday, an incident that forced Williams to build up a spare car for the rookie.

Kubica pays 'high price' for error in Baku qualifying

Fortunately, a thorough inspection of Kubica's FW42 revealed that the car could be repaired in time for Sunday's race, with Williams opting for a pitlane start "in order to make further set-up changes ahead of the race".

"At this track you pay a high price for a relatively small mistake," said Kubica after his crash.

The 34-year-old F1 returnee is racing in Baku for the first time, but Kubica is well aware of the event's unpredictable nature.

"Anything can happen and does. It’s one of those grands prix where you have to make sure that you see the chequered flag," he said.

"Of course with many safety cars and many accidents, you have to be there so you have to be a bit lucky as well.

"It’s definitely a track where a lot of things happen and we’ve seen that unfortunately with me in qualifying."

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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.