A real thriller for Nico Hülkenberg and Renault in Abu Dhabi

“It was a real thriller!” » Nico Hulkenberg found a formula that describes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix well for Renault Sport F1 Team. In a fight before departure with Toro Rosso et Haas F1 Team for sixth place in the Manufacturers ranking, the French brand succeeded in its bet, and won the financial redistributions linked to this ranking.

From the start, it was Hülkenberg, the best-placed Renault driver on the grid, who conveyed a feeling of fear in the team at Le Losange, with a penalty received for overtaking Sergio Pérez (Force India) passing off-trajectory.

Sanctioned with five seconds to observe at his stop, the German was however able to annihilate this penalty, by widening the gap sufficiently on the Mexican and thus retain his position, which had meanwhile transformed into sixth place after the abandonment of Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull).

Hülkenberg then managed his end of the race and crossed the line to offer the points to his employer. « It’s a great end to the season. It's good to finish sixth, it will strengthen the morale of the team this winter, admits “Hülk”.

We had a good team in the second half of the year, but we had some problems. So it's great to end with such a result to start the winter with our heads held high. »

Carlos Sainz not varnished

The other reason for fear for Renault Sport F1 Team was the setbacks of Carlos Sainz. Also in the running to score points, and possibly replace Hülkenberg in the event of a problem. But it is the Spaniard who will be struck by bad luck, in the form of a loose front left wheel when he stops.

“We had a good race, regrets the former Toro Rosso driver. The pace was good, I had made real progress and I was looking forward to the second half of the race to get into the top ten.

This problem with the wheel is really unfortunate, but it can happen. I think we deserved to have both cars in the points, but let's look at the positives. Nico did the job for the team and we got the points we needed to finish sixth. »

A result which obviously satisfies the French management. " Mission accomplished, proclaims Cyril Abiteboul, director of Renault Sport Racing. We came with a clear goal. At the start of the year, we gave ourselves fifth place as a goal.

It was very ambitious, but ambition is a good thing and you have to set high goals. We didn't make it easy for ourselves and the last three weekends form a microcosm of this checkered year.

This is an important step for the team and an achievement that goes beyond the result on track. It’s motivation for everyone and every member of the team. This fantastic reward will matter much more during the winter than any financial considerations. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondent on the Yas Marina Circuit, in AUTO issue 2142hebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.