Renault staff send their thanks to Hülkenberg

Between Renault et Nico Hulkenberg, the love story will end at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 1st. The German driver, who joined the French team before the 2017 season, will be replaced in 2020 by Esteban Ocon. 

Before the Yas Marina event, those in charge of the French team wanted to thank the contribution of the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2015. “Nico is a driver who knows how to roll up his sleeves,” says Alan Permane, sporting director who worked closely with Nico both at the factory and on the track. 

And a special 'alternative' version especially for @HulkHulkenberg!

Official pics coming soon!#RSspirit #AbuDhabiGP #RACEday pic.twitter.com/r5F70cK7w7

- Renault F1 Team (@RenaultF1Team) December 1, 2019

He is pragmatic: he wants to drive and develop the car, which has helped us a lot. His feedback is exceptional, because he ignores emotions. Even after a bad race, he is able to provide measured and constructive reports. »

Alan Permanente remembers an anecdote about his technical return skills. “His technical expertise was very valuable to us. I remember once at Silverstone in 2017, where he was telling us about a particular characteristic in the behavior of the R.S.17. 

He wanted to bring more speed into the corners and he felt that the downforce was slipping away where he needed it most. We had developed a new flat bottom to remedy this and we had it in time for the British Grand Prix. 

He was silent on the radio for a moment before opening up: “I didn’t say anything, but if you could see my face you’d notice a huge smile!” That sums it up well. When he has something to say, it’s always worth listening to. »

Nico Hülkenberg's racing engineer, Mark Slade, underlines the contribution of the ex-pilot Williams and Force India. “Nico took us to another level when he joined us in 2017. We relaunched ourselves, almost overnight, operating as a great team again. When you know you have someone who can do the job you ask of them, it gives you a certain form of subconscious motivation.

He is intelligent, efficient and does not procrastinate despite having an excellent sense of humor. He is determined to perform while demonstrating remarkable resilience, probably much greater than the rest of us in engineering!

high risk high reward.. worked well this time #JapaneseGP #F1pic.twitter.com/VshDh3dmAQ

- Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) October 15, 2019

We had some great races together, but the history books won't do them justice. It was a pleasure to work with him. I would say that he is at the top of the basket of drivers with whom I have been able to work during my career. He felt like he was part of the team, he was really invested in our development and it was very pleasant. »

Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal and General Manager of Renault F1 Team, recognizes that it is difficult to part with the 2 GP2019 Series champion. “It was not an easy decision to end this relationship, because he has many strengths: he is an excellent driver, always motivated and determined to want more, which in turn stimulated us. 

We wish him good luck for the future and sincerely thank him for his enormous contribution to Renault F1 Team over the past three years. »