Renault Sport Formula One Team principal, Cyril Abiteboul admitted the Italian Grand Prix was “a challenging weekend” for the team.
Renault had a strong qualifying with Carlos Sainz Jr. finishing seventh fastest but Nico Hülkenberg was forced to start at the back of the grid due to engine penalties.
“It was a challenging weekend, as we expected in Monza, with a mix of good moments and frustrations.
“We had a strong qualifying, with a great team performance and in particular from Carlos.”
Abiteboul feels Sainz’s eighth placed finish on Sunday did not show Renault’s full potential as they fell behind the two Racing Point Force India F1 Team cars.
“We did not, however, have a race that rewarded that qualifying position.
“It was reflective of our pace at this power-dominated track where we could not contain the Force Indias.”
Hülkenberg tried to come from the back to reach the points but was unable to get the strategy to work.
“Nico tried to do something that could have allowed him to come back into the points but it did not work.
“We did all the right things today and would have loved to have come back stronger but let’s look forward to Singapore, which we hope should suit us better.”
