Renault Sport Formula 1 Team’s reliability woes continued at the British Grand Prix, with Nico Hulkenberg losing fifth due to a ‘holed exhaust’ and team-mate Jolyon Palmer not even finishing the warm-up lap.
Last weekend’s issues were just the latest in a litany of problems for the team, who currently sit eighth in the Constructor’s Championship. They have had six non-finishes over the ten races this season, with four of those coming from Palmer.
“We’re still unhappy with reliability because if you look at it, the two cars have been hurt today,” said Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul to Motorsport.com. “We know this our weakness, and we need to get that right.
“Frankly there is absolutely no reason to have to suffer to that extent, given where we are now in our programme. That has to be the focus, performance is pointing in the direction that we want, so our focus is reliability.”
Despite seeing Palmer retire before making the grid and Hulkenberg dropping to sixth at the end, it was actually the team’s strongest result of the season so far.
Renault is hoping that a new floor will be the best building block for improving the rest of the car, and Hulkenberg certainly seems to agree.
“This was an important thing for us to bring this floor, and for it to deliver a big impact,” said Hulkenberg. “I know there are more things coming, even already for Budapest.”
Reflecting on the season so far, Hulkenberg doesn’t seem to be ruing the move from the now-competitive Sahara Force India F1 Team to the issue-prone Renault, but does hope to challenge them soon.
“I think the first half was decent, that was always my expectation, to be in the points now and then, but still a little bit behind the main midfield,” said Hulkenberg.
“I very much hope that at this rate of progression we can have a stronger second half, and battle the likes of Force India, Haas and Williams more, and take points off them.“
