Albon forced to start Russian GP from pitlane

Alex Albon will start his Russian Grand Prix from the pitlane this afternoon after Red Bull was forced to mount a different specification floor on the Thai driver's RB15 following his crash in qualifying.

The Red Bull rookie was already earmarked for a five-spot grid penalty as a result of taking on a new Spec 4 Honda engine.

Verstappen expects podium to be out of reach in Sochi

Albon was caught yesterday in Q1 by Sochi's Turn 13, crashing backwards into the tyre barrier and destroying his car's rear wing. But the subsequent damage also required a floor change which was done under Parc Fermé conditions.

Given the pitlane start, Red Bull have also elected to replace Albon's gearbox while Honda have added a new turbocharger, MGU-H and MGU-K elements to his power unit.

"We’re starting out of place but I’m optimistic as the car feels good in the long runs and you can also overtake here," said Albon before learning of his pitlane start.

"We’ve seen before when starting at the back that we can progress through the field so we’ll give it everything tomorrow."

As a reminder, Albon's teammate Max Verstappen will also start his Russian Grand Prix out of place, with a five-spot grid penalty linked to an engine change sending the Dutchman from fourth to ninth.

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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.