F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hulkenberg tells Renault what he doesn't like about the RS17

Renault's performance this season has taken a few steps up compared to 2016, but Nico Hulkenberg still has a 'big list' of things he doesn't like about his RS17.

The German driver brought the French manufacturer its first points of the year last Sunday in Bahrain when he finished the race ninth.

While the result and the team's performance in qualifying  validate its step forward, Hulkenberg is convinced there are many areas which can see improvement.

"I mean it's all relative," Hulkenberg explained

" People that are 15th or something, it's probably much worse, but I don't care.

"I'm in the car and obviously I have to point out to the team where the problems are and where we need to focus on and develop.

"It's good that we have that pace but we still have a lot of areas to work on.  It shows that there is good potential in this car and that the base package is pretty good."

As a manufacturer's works driver, Hulkenberg enjoys his current working environment and the potential for success it embodies.

But the 2015 Le Mans winner says it's still early days as Renault hopefully returns to its past F1 glory.

"I think there is a good structure in place," he says.

"No big deficits anywhere. I think there is always room for improvement everywhere, it's all in the detail. So many different areas teams nowadays look on and are working on.

"It's just so much work, and effort that goes into it. It's really hard to catch up and get there."

GALLERY: All the action from the Day 2 in-season testing at Bahrain

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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