Renault Sport Formula 1 Team driver Nico Hulkenberg was forced to pull out of the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix with a gearbox issue on just lap 16, but the German believes the potential was there to have scored points on the streets of Monte Carlo, following a disappointing outcome at the last race in Spain.
“I think a few points were possible today. We were comfortable in P10 and there was definitely potential to make some places.
“The thing about Monaco is you have to stay in the game and I think ninth or even eighth was possible had we been able to do that.
Hulkenberg was in tenth place, where he had qualified on Saturday, when smoke began to stream from the back of the RS17, and he was advised over team radio to stop the car as soon as possible.
The German was understandably frustrated to have to retire from the grand prix so early on, but felt the potential was definitely there to have enjoyed a strong race, had they been able to continue.
The 29-year-old is very optimistic that the Renault squad will continue to progress at each round of the season, and is now looking forward to getting back on track in Canada.
“It was pretty sudden. I saw smoke coming out from the back of the car and the team told me to stop the car – diagnosis, gearbox failure.
“As a driver it’s disappointing but it certainly doesn’t detract from our potential. We’ll bounce back in Montréal.”
