F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Deficit to leaders is 'bad news' for Renault - Hulkenberg

Renault's Nico Hulkenberg says the gap between F1's mid-field and its trio of front-runners points to a lot of hard work ahead for the French outfit.

While Renault certainly wasn't expecting to close its deficit to Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull over the winter, the team was hopeful of inching a bit closer.

There is no doubting the squad's progress, with Hulkenberg taking away many positives from the Melbourne weekend, but a big shortfall in performance remains.

"The guys ahead of us were a long way ahead," said the German driver.

"We wanted to reduce the gap in the winter, but it seems that it has grown even more. That is not good. We have a lot of work to do."

The German driver did not single out a specific weakness, insisting Renault's as a whole required improvement.

"In my opinion it's everything," he said.

"It's all about the little details. It's partly the engine, partly the aerodynamics, but also the chassis, the dynamics, the mechanicals, and so on."

Hulkenberg underlined however the good foundation on which rests Renault's R.S.18 and the team's promising start to its 2018 campaign.

"We have a good basis for further work," said the 2015 Le Mans winner.

"Before Grosjean and Magnussen went out, we were at their pace and also McLaren's. This year we have a good car at the beginning of the season."

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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.

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