American Alexander Rossi impressive in F1 debut

Updated Sep 20, 2015 at 7:09p ET

Alexander Rossi has dreamt about racing in Formula 1 since he was a child. On Sunday in Singapore, the Nevada City, Calif., native had an opportunity to live out that dream.

In his first career start, Rossi quietly moved up in position to finish 14th in the Singapore GP at Marina Bay Street Circuit, one spot ahead of Manor Marussia teammate Will Stevens.

Stevens started his F1 career at the beginning of the 2015 season.

Rossi's night did get more eventful, as radio problems resulted in a loss in communication with his team for the second half of the race, making his strong finish even more remarkable.

Rossi fell a lap down under the second safety car when the race was slowed due to a male spectator making his way onto the track, ending the race a total of two laps down.

Rossi qualified last for the race, but he was only a half-second behind Stevens.

Overall, Rossi's first start was a very successful, considering it took his teammate Stevens three starts to crack the top 15 when he finished 15th in the Chinese GP.

The 23-year-old is the first American driver to compete in F1 since Scott Speed in 2007.

Rossi will also race next week in Japan, as well as the United States, Mexico, and Brazil.

The United States GP will be held on Oct. 25 at Circuit of The Americas.

Rossi will miss the race in Russia, as he continues to compete in the GP2 championship, as well as the season finale in Abu Dhabi in November.

Read more