McLaren: Still work to do to 'lock down' midfield lead

McLaren enjoys a 33-point lead over Renault in the battle for 'best of the rest' in F1's constructors' championship, but with five races to go team boss Andreas Seidl is nowhere near claiming victory.

A nice blend of performance and consistency has kept McLaren at the forefront of the sport's midfield, with points scored in all but one of the last eight races.

However, Seidl is mindful that a pointless weekend in Japan coupled with a solid performance by its main rival can see its edge over Renault melt like snow in the sun.

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"Although we head to Suzuka with an increased lead over our midfield competitors in the Constructors’ Championship, we are mindful that we still have work to do to lock down this position," said the McLaren F1 boss.

"The competition for these positions is very close and can change over the course of a single weekend.

"From our side, we must focus on keeping the battle in our own hands, and that relies on maximising our on-track performance and trackside operations."

©McLaren

McLaren's current tally in the championship could have been boosted by at least a dozen points had Carlos Sainz not suffered consecutive DNFs at Spa and Monza.

The Spaniard was back in the points in Sochi however and will be pushing for more at Suzuka.

"After a tricky start to the second half of the season, I’m glad to have scored good points in Russia," he said.

"I think the whole team deserved it. Although we managed to extend our lead in the midfield battle, the competition remains tight and I know that I need to keep pushing all the way to the end of the season.

"I want more, and that is the mentality we need to keep the whole year."

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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.