Mid-field leader Renault has received a wake-up call

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Renault may have a firm grip on Formula 1's mid-field, but Cyril Abiteboul insists the team got a wake-up call recently from its rivals.

The French outfit is currently 'best of the rest' in F1's Constructors' standings, with a relatively comfortable 19-point advantage over a tight trio of challengers led by Haas.

Over the course of F1's recent triple-header, the US outfit outscored Renault, eroding its mid-field lead, especially in Austria where both Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz failed to see the checkered flag, while Haas' drivers delivered a solid haul of points.

At Silverstone, Renault appeared on the back foot at the outset when neither of its drivers made it to Q3. On Sunday, Sainz retired but Hulkenberg saved the day with a solid drive to sixth place.

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"The German Grand Prix arrives after Formula 1’s first triple-header, which, for us, proved to be a challenge and a test of our capabilities and stamina," says Abiteboul.

"We’ve completed this busy period still in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, but this position doesn’t highlight the mid-season wake-up call we’ve received in recent races; we’re fully aware that the fight for fourth place will not be easy and will continue throughout the second half of the season.

"We rescued a good points finish at Silverstone – a track we knew didn’t play to our strengths - after a bad qualifying, with Nico producing a professional and composed drive to sixth."

Abiteboul is confident in Renault's ability to perform in Germany and Hungary, two venues better suited to the qualities of its R.S.18. But only a series of flawless weekends, void of any mishaps will keep the team from falling into the clutches of its rivals.

"With Spain, France and Great Britain complete, Germany is Nico’s turn for a home race and he heads to Hockenheim with his confidence high after Silverstone," he added.

"The next two races should be more suited to the characteristics of our package, but as a team, we know a perfectly executed weekend is important to the outcome of a Grand Prix.

"We have more hard work on this journey if we are to stay ahead of our midfield rivals in fourth."

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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.