Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsToro Rosso

Verstappen continues to impress despite retirement

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After a tremendous run in today's Chinese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen continued to put to rest any doubts anyone may still have about the Toro Rosso driver's aptitude to perform at the highest level.

The Dutchman put on the perfect blend of speed and racecraft all afternoon as he enjoyed multiple scraps within the field and made a variety of overtakes, notably one spectacular late-braking move on Marcus Ericsson, to climb as high as eighth.

Unfortunately, with only three laps remaining, the Toro Rosso's engine expired, depriving Verstappen of some well earned points, but his performance was well noted.

"It's always great to get into the top ten and basically get a points finish, but it's still very disappointing to retire," said Max, who more than made up for the Toro Rosso's power deficit on the long straight by some handy driving and late braking elsewhere.

The Dutchman continues to refine his raw talent with a huge potential yet to be unleashed. "Today I was really enjoying it again, like in Malaysia. I felt very comfortable in the car and that's very important."

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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.