Hulkenberg's move to Renault was a stunner - Perez

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Sergio Perez admits to have been suprised by Nico Hulkenberg's decision to move to Renault, and says he will miss his former team mate.

Perez himself had been short listed last summer by the French manufacturer's outfit as discussions between his backers and Force India appeared to drag on, although in the end Vijay Mallya's outfit re-signed the 26-year-old Mexican.

"To be honest, I was quite stunned about it," Perez told Autosport.

"I knew Nico was very high on their list and I knew if I didn't go there they'd definitely look at him. They are taking a great driver.

"Only time will tell who took the right decision but I'm happy with the three seasons that I had together with him."

Hulkenberg finding Vasseur exit 'hard to accept'

In hindsight, Perez casts a positive look upon the three seasons he spent alongside his German rival at Force India.

"I think we learned a lot from each other. It's time for Nico to move on to a new challenge.

"Nico had been longer than myself in the team, so he probably felt the need to work with new people, something different, to learn new things.

"It was great to learn so many things from Nico."

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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.