Kevin Magnussen secured his and the Renault Sport F1 team’s first points of the 2016 Formula 1 season with a hard-fought seventh place during Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom.
The Danish admitted he had some luck to finish that high, but after being unlucky in some previous races, he felt the team deserved the points finish around the Russian circuit.
“It feels really good to get these points for the team as I know how hard everyone’s been working this season,” said Magnussen. “I made a great start, but then lost a couple of positions at the first corner because of a spin in front of me.
“After that I was pushing hard for the entire race, made some good overtakes and I had a great pit stop from the crew. We were a bit lucky today; we’ve been unlucky in the past so I’ve certainly no complaints!”
After replacing his floor this weekend, team-mate Jolyon Palmer has been feeling more comfortable behind the wheel of his car, and although he was unable to match Magnussen during the race, finishing thirteenth, he was happy the team secured points for the first time in 2016, and knows it is now possible for him to follow suit in the upcoming races.
“It’s great for the team to get our first points of the season and I’m pleased that we’re making genuine progress with the car,” said Palmer. “Kevin showed what is possible today so that’s a good target for the next races.
“Overall we’ve learnt a lot of positives this weekend so I feel there’s a lot to build on for the races ahead.”
