When it comes to bad luck so far in 2017, Jolyon Palmer is arguably rivalled only by the perennially hapless McLaren team. But the Renault driver is determined to turn the page and seek good fortune next weekend in Hungary.
"I’m not superstitious, but you have to say this run of bad luck has to end," the 26-year-old said. "I've burnt the unlucky underpants, so they are now out of the way!"
His home Grand Prix last weekend was an illustration of the sort of misfortune that Palmer has faced this season. He was set to start his home race from 11th on the grid, only for the car to fail on the way to the grid.
"It was something as simple as an 'O' ring in the hydraulic system," chassis technical director Nick Chester explained. "We’ve been investigating thoroughly to determine why it failed to ensure we don’t see this again."
"[Jolyon] unfortunately could not start the race after an issue with the hydraulic system," concurred the team's managing director Cyril Abiteboul. "He was in a good position on the grid in eleventh at his home race and was well on course to be in contention for his first points of the season. It’s a disappointment."
"The big negative was obviously not being able to start the race," said Palmer from his own perspective of what happened. "That was unbelievably frustrating, especially as it was my home Grand Prix and I had a lot of support. I couldn’t believe it.
"But, on the positives, there were certainly a couple of good things from Silverstone.
"My qualifying pace was decent and I managed my second best run of the season. I drove with the new floor in FP1 and it was working nicely, meaning I’m happy to have it for Budapest. Nico showed the benefit of the floor across last weekend with his strong qualifying and race pace."
Chester confirmed that Palmer's R.S.17 would be fitted out with the new floor at the Hungaroring next week.
"Both cars will have the new floor we validated," he said. "We will evaluate updated front bodywork and a modified cooling package."
"It’s exciting for the team," picked up Palmer. "We looked competitive and ahead of our midfield rivals. That’s all I hope for in Hungary.
"I really like Budapest," he continued. "It brings up some good memories such as when I won there in the GP2 Series in 2013.
"The track is different in nature to many others in terms of having a lot of slow speed corners. Once you brake for the first turn you don’t get much of a breather until you’re back round again and on to the straight.
"The entire circuit flows together and makes for an exciting lap. There is little room for error in terms of braking and turning points. Everything has to go smoothly.
"It’s difficult to overtake there and it’s important to find a good rhythm. It’s fun to drive a lap, it’s usually good for racing.
"Hopefully I can have a change of luck and finally get some points!"
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