Another F1 hopeful bites the dust

©WRI2

Former Ferrari junior Raffaele Marciello has called it a day on his dream of racing in Formula 1.

Last year, the now 22-year-old Italian was relieved of his duties and involvement with Ferrari's development 'academy' which included working with the Sauber team as well as the Scuderia.

"He [Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene] did not deem me suitable for F1 and so it ended," Marciello said at the time.

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Marciello has already hinted at his ending ambition last year but decided to stay in GP2 for 2016 however, finishing the series fourth overall with Russian Time. The young Italian has now decided to switch to GT sports cars for 2017.

"I think it's best not to be too focused on F1, perhaps missing other opportunities," he said.

"I'm still quite young and there are older drivers than me who are continuing to try, but I'm happy with my choice."

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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.