Kevin Magnussen says the European Grand Prix has been a tricky weekend after finishing the practice sessions in the late teens.
Even though the Renault Sport Formula 1 driver was looking good leading up to qualifying on Saturday by improving his times every practice session, he was unable to set a good lap time in qualifying and had to settle for twenty-first behind the Sauber F1 of Marcus Ericsson.
The only driver to finish behind him was his team-mate Jolyon Palmer who set a fastest lap time 0.046 seconds slower than Magnussen. Even though Saturday didn’t look good for Renault, Magnussen believes the Enstone team are learning, which will bring them rewards.
“The session was pretty straightforward with the simple factor that we’re not fast enough here,” said Magnussen.
“In FP3 we realised we didn’t have the relative pace with the car even if it was feeling quite good to drive so we tried something different with the set-up. Ultimately, it was good to try and it improved the car in some areas but didn’t in others.
“We knew this season would be tough at some moments, and this is certainly one of them! We have a plan for the future and that’s what we’re all working for. Yes, today didn’t look great but we’re learning all the time and this is bringing rewards.”
