Abiteboul wants quick turnaround after Baku disaster

©WRI2

40

Renault headed back home with a written-off race weekend after neither of its drivers failed to see the checkered flag in Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Jolyon Palmer's engine suffered from a misfire on the way to the grid and the issue worsened until his retirement at the end of lap 7.

Nico Hulkenberg was running as high as fifth in what was a highly eventful race, but clipped the wall and broke his front right suspension on lap 25.

The double DNF result is a set-back for the French team in its quest to for sixth place in the Constructors' standings, and one which Renault Sport boss Cyril Abiteboul was not happy with.

An amazing stat linked to Red Bull's win in Baku

"A double DNF is the worst that can happen to the team both in terms of race results and in terms of championship position," lamented Abiteboul.

"We need to understand and immediately address the technical issues that prevented Jolyon to even participate, and Nico to start higher in the grid this weekend.

"We saw a highly unusual and eventful Grand Prix and we will do all we can to make sure that this will be our only double DNF of the season.

"The only positive note is that a Red Bull Racing car finished on the highest step of the podium, which, on a track like Baku, is a great reward to the efforts made in bringing extra power to our customers."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

LAST CHANCE to enter our ULTIMATE TRACKDAY competition! FREE ENTRY HERE!

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.