'Haryanto was underrated,' says Pascal Wehrlein

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Pascal Wehrlein believes the performance gap between himself and new Manor team mate Esteban Ocon in qualifying last weekend demonstrates that Rio Haryanto is underrated.

Haryanto lost his drive at Manor after twelve races after failing to secure the necessary funding to pursue his F1 ambitions. He was subsequently replaced by Mercedes protégé and Renault reserve driver Ocon.

"He’s a very highly-rated driver and to beat him by half a second in qualifying was very good and I’m happy with that," Wehrlein said about his novice team-mate.

"Maybe now you can see that Rio was actually very good and performing really well and I feel like [in qualifying at Spa] he could have done the same.

"I think everyone underrated him or underestimated what he could do. I feel a bit sad for that because, actually, he was a good team-mate and he did a good job."

DRIVER RATINGS: Belgian Grand Prix

Haryanto remains at Manor in a reserve role although Ocon has been nominated untiul the end of the season.

While it may be a bit unfair to assess the French driver so early in his F1 career, and with so much still to learn, Ocon is highly rated by both Renault and Mercedes.

At Spa last Sunday, he launched his race from 17th and ran as high 11th before running at the tail end of the field when the race resumed following the red flag period. Ocon finished his first Grand Prix 16th.

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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.