Grosjean: 'From hero to zero, nothing I could control.'

Romain Grosjean was the first day's victim of the treacherous conditions which have drowned the start of the Brazilian Grand Prix and red-flagged the race after 21 laps.

The Haas driver, who had qualified a brilliant seventh, aquaplaned up the hill and crashed on the exit of the final corner during the formation lap to the grid, resulting in a terminal incident for Haas and the Frenchman.

"I went from hero to zero in 24 hours," said an obviously disappointed Grosjean.

"I feel so bad the team and the boys. I was going up the hill, not even flat out, and I picked up a lot of wheelspin and just spun the car. It was nothing I could control."

LIVE: 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix

Speaking after the race had gotten underway, Grosjean was puzzled to see some of his colleagues switching to intermediate tyres while the downpour continued unabated.

"There's no grip, so you have to take a huge amount of risk to go to teh extreme because they are just faster. But yoiu can't control the car in a straight line."

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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.