The results in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix were not what the Renault Sport Formula 1 Team was hoping for on Sunday, according to Team Principal Fred Vasseur.
Kevin Magnussen was forced to retire after just five laps with a suspension breakage after being hit from behind, while Jolyon Palmer struggled to keep life in his tyres for an entire stint and finished the last of the classified finishers in seventeenth despite running as high as eleventh in the early stages.
Despite the lacklustre conclusion to the 2016 Formula 1 season, Vasseur insists a lot of progress has been made during a tough first season back in the sport as a manufacturer entrant, despite the team only scoring eight points throughout the year.
“That was not the Grand Prix we wanted to end our season,” said Vasseur. “Kevin’s race was cut short as a result of front suspension damage sustained on the first lap then Jolyon’s great start didn’t translate to a great finish come the chequered flag.
“Today’s result should not detract from all the progress made at Viry and Enstone over the last year as we will be in a far better position to fight for more points next season.
“Thank you to Kevin in his final race for us, he is a popular driver and we wish him well for the future.”
