Perez to Verstappen: make the most of your opportunities

Force India stalwart Sergio Perez suggests that teenage prodigy Max Verstappen should make the most of every opportunity thrown his way in his F1 career as according to Perez, one never knows if one will be in the right place at the right time.

Perez wisdom and advice naturally stems from the Mexican's own experience when, as a young and promising F1 hopeful, he was recruited by McLaren only to be dumped by the Woking outfit a year later following a disappointing season for both team and river.

Perez has since found stability and consistency with Force India, having stepped up performances in 2015 with some impressive drives and a brilliant podium finish in Russia.

"I think Max is going to get better through the years, not only Max but the young drivers coming in," said Perez who enjoyed a good scrap with the Toro Rosso driver in Brazil.

"It depends on the opportunities. There are so many things happening in the career of the driver. What I recommend to them is to keep learning, keep improving race-by-race, year-by-year and maximise opportunities in your career.

While Verstappen will race once again with Toro Rosso this year, alongside Carlos Sainz, the young Dutchman's future has been linked with both Mercedes and Ferrari, although current employer Red Bull is unlikely to release its junior bull without resistance.

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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.

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