Vettel baffled by sudden Turn 8 suspension failure

Sebastian Vettel had no explanation for the sudden suspension failure that sidelined the Ferrari driver from Sunday's US Grand Prix after just eight laps.

Vettel was going nowhere fast in the opening laps of the race, complaining over his team's radio of significant understeer as he slid down the order.

The German was put out of his misery in short order when he ran wide at Turn 8, the Ferrari SF90's right rear suspension instantly breaking as it hit the corner's outside sausage which had been positioned at Turn 8 by the FIA overnight, precisely to discourage drivers from exceeding track limits.

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However, Vettel was unsure the kerb had caused his car's breakage.

"I had a decent start, I was just on the dirty side," he said as he explained the start of his race.

"And then I had no place to go at Turn 1, but there was no grip and that was the case for the entire beginning of the race.

"I was really struggling for grip, especially at right-handers. It was a very different car, so I asked them [the team] if they had seen something or if something is broken.

"A couple of laps after that we had the failure. I assume that it must have been an issue before.

"I don't know if it's related to the track, but on the other hand we've done so many laps. Why now, and not Friday?"

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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.