Sainz underlines personal step forward in 2016

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Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz believes he has so far made the most of the hand of cards he was dealt this year, pleased with what he has accomplished in the first half of the 2016 season.

In an exclusive interview with F1i and our very own Chris Medland, Sainz reviews his year to date, his feelings on Max Verstappen's in-season promotion to Red Bull Racing and his prospects for 2017.

Ultimately, the Spaniard is happy with where he is today in his life as a Grand Prix driver.

"I think I can be very pleased with this first half of the season," Sainz told F1i

"To do more than we actually have done would have been very difficult. I think the first four races were quite unfortunate for us.

"We had the car to score a lot of points but we didn’t capitalise on it because it was almost like we had this black cat following us from 2015.

“From Barcelona this black cat went away and suddenly the results started to come together. We lost a podium in Monaco which was a big frustration but apart from that we’ve scored points in every race I’ve finished since then except for Baku.

"So I think we can be very pleased and I think we’ve done a big step forward, and me personally also."

While Sainz admits his own progress and development, he also insists that circumstances, mainly associated with small details which prevented him from showing his true potential, have changed more than he has.

"What’s happened in the last seven or eight races looks like I’m a completely different driver when I’m not. I’m exactly the same guy as the first four races."

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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.