Button sent home early following hit with Wehrlein

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Following his performance in qualifying which brought him 9th place on the Belgian GP starting grid while his team mate was forced to start last, Jenson Button appeared the better-placed of the two McLaren drivers with a chance of scoring points.

It would not be however as a contact on the opening lap with Manor's Pascal Wehrlein sent the 2009 world champion home early.

"I actually had a really good start – I got ahead of a Williams, pulled in front of a Red Bull and drew alongside a Force India," explained Button.

"But then I lost a lot of places at La Source and ran wide. I rejoined the track, but Pascal [Wehrlein] made contact with me at Turn Five, damaging the rear of my car.

"There was a lot of damage and we were unable to complete the race. After such a short race, there’s not much more to say!"

"We looked really good for points today, so it’s disappointing that we didn’t score any, but it happens. I’ve been around long enough to know these things happen."

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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.