Nico Hulkenberg will find a different face looking across at him from the cockpit on the other side of the Renault garage when he gets to the Circuit of the Americas next week.
The team bade farewell to Jolyon Palmer after the Japanese Grand Prix. Hulkenberg now finds himself paired with Carlos Sainz, freshly arrived from Toro Rosso.
"I’m looking forward to working with Carlos," Hulkenberg said. He's previously admitted to not knowing the Spanish driver except from occasional encounters in the paddock.
This week he described Sainz as "an ambitious driver, somewhat young and wild but certainly fast." That might be just what the Renault teams needs if it's to improve on its current eighth place in the constructors standings.
"We need to finish off the season well together to help the team in the constructors’ standings," Hulkenberg agreed. "I’ll be doing everything I can to help him hit the ground running with the team
"He is a very capable driver with a bright future. He has shown what he can do in Formula 1 and we’ll be aiming for a positive start to our partnership in Austin."
Sainz actually leads Hulkenberg in the drivers championship by 48 points to 34. With that sort of combined performance, Renault could use the final four races of 2017 to catch and pass Toro Rosso in the standings.
Their first collaboration as team mates will be at next week's United States Grand Prix.
"Austin is a cool town and a great place to be," said Hulkenberg of the race in store. "I really like going to Texas.
"I love the track a lot. Out of all the modern tracks built in the last few years, this is a stand-out.
"The design is outstanding with a lot of cool corner combinations which flow really well.
"Sector one reminds me of Silverstone as it’s very quick and flowing," he continued. "That’s what us drivers are after and it puts a big smile on our faces!
"Finding a good balance is important because, if you don’t, it will mean you will struggle," he cautioned. "Austin is high on brake wear and fuel consumption, so it’s quite demanding in that regard.
"Nevertheless one of the really fun race weekends," he summed up.
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