Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Combative Verstappen extends points-scoring run

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Max Verstappen extended his points-scoring run with a 9h place finish in today's Brazilian Grand Prix. The Toro Rosso driver initially finished 10th but moved up a spot as a result of Felipe Massa's provisional exclusion from the race.

Verstappen was his usual combative and entertaining self all afternoon, manhandling his car, and rivals, in typical fashion to secure the ultimate championship point of the day.

From a solitary 9th on the grid, with 10th place man and team mate Carlos Sainz starting from the pit lane following electrical problems, Verstappen spent the most part of the race at that level, momentarily gaining a few spots but falling back as pit stop rotations set in.

But it was anything but a stagnant or boring day out on the racetrack for the young Dutchman who thrilled the crowds with a few bold moves on his rivals, notably Sergio Perez, Felipe Nasr and Pastor Maldonado, who were all passed on the outside or inside of Interlagos' Turn 1, Max's preferred overtaking spot.

"Yes, it was the only chance to overtake there as it was very difficult to get them on the straight," the Toro Rosso driver commented.

"Tenth was really the maximum we could do today. Of course it's not what wanted compared to Lotus, but we have to realistic. It's still very positive and I'm very happy that we scored a point again, and hopefully we can continue like that in the last race."

As the young prodigy continues to hone his talent and gains in maturity, his confidence is evidently rising and with it his level of demand regarding his team. Verstappen expressed his frustration regarding his car's lack of power in no uncertain terms over the radio on lap 41 when Lotus driver Romain Grosjean snatched 10th from him into Turn 1.

"When you see the guys behind catch up so easily on the straights you just get frustrated, because the car is so good in the corners," he explained.

No doubt Max will be on a mission in Abu Dhabi to end his incredible maiden F1 season on another high.

AS IT HAPPENED: Brazilian Grand Prix

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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.