Renault still 'completely committed' to helping Palmer

Jolyon Palmer's FP2 session ended in the barriers on Friday, and that was just what the Brit didn't need at a time when his seat at Renault is in jeopardy.

Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul acknowledged recently that Palmer was now in hot water and under pressure to deliver, having failed to score a single point so far this season.

Palmer's latest mishap won't help the 26-year-old build his confidence, but Abiteboul was quick to dismiss the mistake however, pointing to others who were caught out by the Baku's treacherous and unpredictable nature.

"It's a bit unfair to link today and the future," Abiteboul told reporters.

"Today we saw a lot of drivers going a bit outside of the track - a lot. Jo has been one of those at a turn that unfortunately doesn't forgive. Unlike other turns."

Palmer: 'I've been guilty of overdriving the car'

"If you want to link that to the bigger picture for Jo, our situation is very clear: he has a contract with us.

"We are completely committed to helping him get through the period, which is a tough period, that's obvious.

"He has no ultimatum, but having said that he has to deliver, like every single member of the team.

"I think what will help him is that frankly we take him out of the spotlight under which he is constantly, all the media attention is not necessarily helping," Abiteboul added.

"We are trying our best to protect him but at the same time to do the best as a team to explain to him what we are expecting and we had that type of conversation with him yesterday - go through the metrics and try to define the targets short to medium terms so that he can improve."

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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.