Palmer: 'Definitely good potential from me and the car'

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As F1 is called back to action at Spa this weekend, Jolyon Palmer is focused on reversing his fortunes after a challenging first half of the season.

The Renault driver has yet to score a top-ten finish this year, his level of performance clearly trailing that of team mate Nico Hulkenberg.

Pressure has been building for Palmer who has been warned by Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul that concrete results will be required in order for the 26-year-old to be considered for 2018.

For Palmer, F1's summer break was a welcomed respite.

"It was good to have a bit of chill out time and recharge a little bit," he admitted.

"I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro which was very tough but also highly rewarding. It was nice to be cut off from the world for a week and see a change of scenery, but I’m ready to get back to work again."

Palmer holds the cards to his future - Abiteboul

Looking back on the first eleven races, Palmer acknowledges his under-performance but also believes his motivation to succeed going forward remains intact.

"It’s been challenging, but there is definitely good potential from me and the car," he says.

"The 2017 regulations mean a car that’s very different from before, so you have to relearn how to extract the maximum performance from it.

"Getting the right set-up is difficult and this is compounded when you miss out on track time for whatever reason.

"I’m looking forward and focusing on my own performance and I’m working hard to understand everything to ensure I have good races."

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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.