Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Stevens not giving up on F1

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Manor 2015 driver Will Stevens was left out to dry last week when his former team completed its lineup with Indonesian hopeful Rio Haryanto.

The British outfit had already recruited Mercedes protégé while its second seat was coveted by Haryanto, Stevens and Alexander Rossi.

Despite being sidelined for an F1 drive this year, the 24-year-old British driver is still hopeful of returning in the future to the pinnacle of racing. In the interim, he will be seeking employment either in the US Indycar Series or in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

"At the moment, we’re exploring all avenues," said Stevens to Racer. "I spend a lot of time in the States, know quite a few people there, so IndyCar is an option.

"We’re looking at a lot of things, and it’s no secret Formula 1 is not an option right now. So we’re trying to stay open and look at the best avenue for career longevity.

"If I’m totally honest, we’re not giving up on F1, for sure. Over the next few years, there’s going to be a lot of people coming out – retiring from the sport and going off to do other things, so we’re still confident the people I’ve got behind me will want to look at it again in 2017.

"But I need to do something to keep me racing. I don’t want to sit around and do nothing. At the moment I don’t know what I’ll be doing, but I’ll be doing something."

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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.