Nico Hülkenberg admitted that his crash with Romain Grosjean on the opening lap of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a racing incident.
The Renault Sport Formula One Team driver was sent flipping into the barriers at turn nine on the opening lap after contact with the Haas F1 Team driver.
Speaking after the race, Hülkenberg admitted that he simply didn’t see the Frenchman.
“It was frustrating to be out of the race so early today and ultimately to finish the season this way having worked so hard with the team all weekend.
“It looks spectacular when cars flip but luckily it wasn’t a high impact crash.
“It was a racing incident; I didn’t see Grosjean – I thought that he went off the track and I took the apex, but the tyres touched and I flipped to go upside down.
Despite his non-finish in the final round, Renault held onto fourth in the constructor standings with Hülkenberg finishing seventh in the drivers’ championship.
“Overall it has been a good positive season for us with strong points.
“The team got fourth today in the Constructors’ Championship and I got seventh in the Drivers’; on paper, the best season in my career.
“I am very pleased about the progress we have made this season. It’s been great working with Carlos, he’s been an excellent team-mate.
“I’ve enjoyed the season a lot and look forward to an even better one next year, also with Daniel joining the team. It will be very exciting.”
