Verstappen elated with P4 after early spin

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Max Verstappen's race looked pretty much done from the outset when the Red Bull driver spun at Turn 1, but the Dutchman's rescued a fourth place finish in the end.

Starting sixth, Verstappen collided with Force India's Nico Hulkenberg at the first corner, pitching him into a spin which sent the Dutchman to the back of the field.

Decided to take full advantage of Red Bull's initial tyre strategy, Verstappen kept his SuperSoft-shod car out until lap 22, switching to Soft rubber and a one-stop race which remarkably brought him back into contention in the closing stages of the 55-lap race.

"I'm very pleased, after being last, after Turn 1, to have fought my way back and get just one stop," enthused Verstappen.

"It was the best we could do. It's quite normal that those who do a two-stop have better tyres, so normally they can attack you a bit more, and that's what happen compared to Seb (Vettel). I think it was a very good race."

Verstappen labeled his mishap with Hulkenberg at the start a mere racing incident.

"I think Nico had a very good start, I think he didn't expect me to be like half alongside. So he basically made the corner and for me there was nowhere to go, but I think it was a bit of a racing incident."

Starting his season with Toro Rosso before moving over to Red Bull Racing, Verstappen admits it has been an action-packed year, and a building block for 2017.

"It has been a very special season for me. So I'm very happy with that and to finish it on a high, especially after yesterday when I was not so happy."

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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.