Formula 1

Hülkenberg praises Renault’s development trend from 2017 onwards

1 Mins read
Nico Hülkenberg - Formula 1 - Renault R.S.19 Launch
Credit: Renault Sport Formula 1 Team

Nico Hülkenberg lauded the rate of development shown by the Renault Sport Formula 1 Team since his debut season with the team in 2017.

Renault managed a sixth place finish in the Constructors’ Championship in 2017, before making the leap to fourth in ’18.

With upgraded facilities at the marque’s UK base in Enstone, an improved R.S.19 and a rebuilt Renault Sport power unit, Hülkenberg and Renault are optimistic over further progress in 2019. The German is still searching for a first Formula 1 podium after 156 grands prix starts.

Hülkenberg said that the development is just part of Renault’s long-term targets and more progress is yet to come. The team made a big statement last summer by securing Daniel Ricciardo from Aston Martin Red Bull Racing in a deal that came into effect from January.

“As a team, we’ve developed a lot since the start of 2017 and that’s all part of the process if we want to achieve our long-term targets,” Hülkenberg said.

“When I arrived, the infrastructure was still young, we’ve come a long way since then with a lot of progress.”

Renault found itself typically at the top of a very tightly-contested midfield battle in 2018, with a strong run of form at the end of the season opening up a 29 point gap to the fifth-placed Haas F1 Team.

The 31-year-old’s seventh place finish in the Drivers’ Championship left him as the ‘best of the rest’ in terms of drivers outside the top three teams, but Hülkenberg stressed the need to keep moving forwards.

“I want to extract the best from myself and maximise the potential from the team and the car,” he added.

“The important thing is, as a team, we take a good leap forward and perform better consistently. We want the trend to continue upwards and keep the developments coming.”

776 posts

About author
DTM, Formula 1 writer and deputy editor for The Checkered Flag. Autosport Academy member and freelance voice over artist.
Articles
Related posts
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix - TCF Driver of the Weekend

2 Mins read
TheCheckeredFlag Driver of the Weekend is revealed for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Team Principals are Saying after the Race

7 Mins read
The ten Team Principals reflect on drivers performances at Albert Park during Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, a race that saw Ferrari claim their first win of 2024.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Drivers are Saying after the Race – Part 2

7 Mins read
Those who missed out on points in Australia reflect on their races, including Max Verstappen, who retired from a Grand Prix for the first time since the same event in 2022.