No 'slack' in Hulkenberg's performance with Palmer as team mate

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Nico Hulkenberg denies the arrival of Carlos Sainz at Renault forced him to up his game, insisting he was pushing just as hard with Jolyon Palmer as his team mate.

The British driver was dropped by the French team after last year's Japanese Grand Prix to make way for the early arrival of Carlos Sainz from Toro Rosso.

While recognising Sainz as a much tougher competitor, Hulkenberg says it ultimately makes no difference to his performance who is sitting on the other side of the Renault garage.

Hulkenberg and Sainz pushing Renault upwards - Prost

"I think it would be unprofessional if I would have had some slack at the beginning of the season because I was just safe," he told Motorsport.com.

"I don't think if I take the first half of the season, and any of my qualifying laps, that I would have found significantly more time if I would have had another teammate closer to me.

"I just don't believe it. I am convinced it is not like that."

Sainz's arrival has undoubtedly reinforced Renault as a whole, with a sane emulation spurring its driver pairing on.

"He is pushing and I am still pushing, we are pushing each other to the benefit of the team," says the 30-year-old German.

"He is giving good feedback to the team as well. Two guys, instead of one, pushing everything forward is really important for a team."

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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.