F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Pressured Palmer seeks another second half turnaround

With his future at stake Jolyon Palmer is under pressure to deliver, but the Renault driver is focused on getting good results and not fixated on 2018.

Palmer has undeniably under-performed this season and disappointed, as the Brit's campaign has been undermined to date by mistakes but also mechanical issues.

Robert Kubica's impressive outing in Hungary three weeks ago only fanned the flames which many believed would burn the Briton to the stake.

But Renault Sport F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul is reassured Palmer that his seat with the French team is secure, at least in the short term. 

"Honestly I'm not even thinking about next year, I'm just focussed on this year still," said Palmer.

"We've just gone half way through the season. Nine races to go, I'm focussed on doing the best I can in each one of them.

"It's nice to hear that [from Cyril], but I'm in the same position as last year. Last year I was the same, I was here and not thinking about this year, just thinking about doing good races.

"I did good races, and then it all unfolded the right way. So I'm just focused on doing nine good races now." 

The step-up in performance of Renault's RS17 on the back of a major upgrade could likely prove a major ally in Palmer's quest to turn around his fortunes in the second half of the year. 

"I think the car is in a better place now, I've just got to do it on track," he says.

"I think we can find performance even through reliability, especially on my side, I've missed so much mileage with problems.

"I would say we found the maximum a little bit earlier than we'd probably hoped on some components!

"That's been the big push really this year, to try and improve the reliability. Since pre-season testing we had a lot of problems already.

"Hopefully this latest update can really improve that, and we can start to have no more issues for the rest of the year. It's software."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

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

 

 

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.

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

21 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago