F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel 'pushed and shouted out of the way' by Alonso police escort!

Sebastian Vettel had a run-in of sorts with Fernando Alonso at Spa on Saturday, but the close encounter between the two drivers was on a public road, not on the track.

The eco-friendly Vettel was peacefully making his way to the track in the morning on his bicycle when a loud convoy of police motorcycles and a car rushed up from behind.

Visiting the Spa GP stage located behind the main grandstands ahead of FP3 yesterday, Vettel told the vast assembly of race fans what happened next.

Read also: Vettel leads list of biggest-fined drivers in 2022

"I was coming down the hill with the bicycle and then there was four police bikes pushing and shouting me out of the way, and then there was a Renault driven by Fernando, and then another two police bikes pushing out of the way again!"

As an obedient citizen, Vettel duly complied with the local law enforcement's orders. But the revengeful Aston Martin driver eventually caught up with the convoy as it hit some traffic congestion.

"I passed him back!" said a facetious Vettel, which drew a massive roar from the crowd of fans.

The four-time world champion might have a more difficult time repeating the maneuver on the Alpine charger in Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

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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.