'Hard rookie year just made me tougher,' says Palmer

Jolyon Palmer endured a tough maiden season in F1, but the Renault driver believes there was a silver lining to the snags and challenges thrown his way.

The 25-year-old Renault driver had to learn the ropes of Grand Prix racing in a difficult environment and then prove his merit half way through the season to save his seat with the French team.

In the end, Palmer acquitted himself quite well enough to deserve a second year on the F1 trail, but perhaps more importantly, he emerged stronger on all fronts.

"I've become a lot stronger because of this year, mentally it has been tough," Palmer told Autosport.

"Everything that could have been thrown my way has been, in terms of driving a difficult car and maybe being undervalued.

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"Also, having all the mind games with different drivers out there and not knowing what's going to happen next means you gain a lot of mental strength, as well as improving as a driver.

"I don't think it's a bad thing if it can improve you in the long run and hopefully this will be the toughest it gets."

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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.