Renault turnarounds since team’s return to Formula 1 this year. Its driver Carlos Sainz finished fifth in an exceptional Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.
Speaking to media after the race, Renault Sport Racing magaing director, Cyril Abiteboul said he was impressed to the team since return to Grand Prix this year.
“We did not know what to expect for this race. Carlos’s fifth place is an excellent result, the best since we came back two years ago.” Abiteboul said.
“It must be admitted that this happens in exceptional circumstances, but it is nonetheless positive. Carlos performed a mature performance, managing his tires and fighting with several opponents throughout the race. It’s very positive to see the changes in the hierarchy compared to last year.” Abiteboul added.
Nico Hulkenberg’s race was high and low. He started fourteenth on the grid, the German took a very good start to climb back into the peloton until ending up in a fight with Carlos Sainz for the top 5.
After a neutralisation behind the safety car, he came out too wide of turn-4 and damaged the suspension of his car by touching the wall.
“The gap with Red Bull and the overall level of the Renault engine compared to the rest of the plateau illustrate the progress already made and that we continue to make every weekend. Nico failed with a mishap similar to last year’s.” Abiteboul said.
“It was his only mistake of the season and he will be more than forgiven if this is again the case this year. It is overall a very good weekend.
“The team scored big points, more than McLaren. The gap is now very small before starting the European campaign.” the Frenchman added.
Lewis Hamilton won Grand Prix Azerbaijan on Sunday. (Source:www.wdez.com)
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has remained faithful to its laps and turns. Lewis Hamilton won Sunday with great success, thanks to the abandonment of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas and the fratricidal crash of the Red Bull, plunged in full psychodrama.
Kimi Raikkonnen in the Ferrari finished in second, Sergio Perez finished in third, meanwhile, the German Sebastian Vettel fourth.
“It was quite an emotional race. Valtteri did an exceptional job and deserved to win, Sebastian also did a great job so its feel a bit to be up here. said Hamilton after the race.
