Stroll crash could deprive Perez of upgrade at Sochi

Lance Stroll's crash in Sunday's Tuscan Grand Prix could leave Racing Point short of an upgrade package for Sergio Perez at Sochi.

Racing Point brought updates for its RP20 to Mugello which consisted of new sidepods, radiator inlets and brake ducts.

But the package was only implemented on Stroll's car thanks to the Canadian's better position relative to Perez in the Drivers' championship.

Read also: Stroll suspects puncture or suspension failure caused crash

Unfortunately, Stroll's high-speed crash in the race while sitting fourth means the Silverstone-based outfit will have its work cut out to fit both its cars with the updates in time for next week's Russian Grand Prix.

"He (Stroll) did have the upgrade so now we’re going to have to do a lot of work to get enough parts together for both of them to have the upgrade in Russia," said team boss Otmar Szafnauer.

©RacingPoint

Perez considered himself happy to have been rewarded with a fifth-place finish at Mugello given his "poor pace" and hopes he'll get his hands on the new updates next week.

"It was a very crazy race, it was just about keeping it cool with so many starts, that was the key," said the Mexican after the race.

"In the end I'm pleased with P5 because I had such poor pace, especially in the first stint. I think we minimized the effect of the upgrade on Lance's car.

"It looked good so I'm looking forward to having it in Russia."

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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.