Constructors' battle for sixth irrelevant - Hulkenberg

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Renault still has a chance of wrestling sixth in the Constructor's standings from rival Toro Rosso, but Nico Hulkenberg views the prospect as irrelevant.

The French manufacturer is just four points behind the Faenza-base outfit ahead of F1's season finale in Abu Dhabi, and two points ahead of the Haas F1 Team.

Gaining a spot would yield an additional financial reward for Renault, but Hulkenberg doesn't appear overly interested in the achievement.

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"Sixth sounds better than seventh," said the German driver.

"But it will not change our lives dramatically. As long as you are not at the front, everything is irrelevant anyway."

The Hulk believes Renault has made great strides this year, both in terms of performance and in building its foundation for the future.

"We did what we wanted to do," he said. "We started poorly but have caught up a lot.

"The winter is not only four months," he added.

"We started our course correction a few months ago. A lot has been happening in the background."

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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.