Renault still a work in progress - Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg believes 2017 will be another year of work and advancement for Renault as it evolves towards its self-proclaimed goal of joining the head of the F1 grid.

The French manufacturer's take-over of Lotus at the end of 2015 and its subsequent 2016 campaign led to challenging times for the former world champions.

But it knew from the outset that a move up the ranks was always going to be part of programme spanning several years.

New recruit Hulkenberg, who joined Renault from Force India on a multi-year basis, is expecting more of the same next season.

"I think next year is still a build-up year. We have to be realistic," Hulkenberg said.

"This year they come from a pretty difficult year, and obviously when they bought the team last year they were in a very tricky situation, especially at the beginning of the season.

Hulkenberg is setting any specific targets for 2017 in terms of race results, although running consistently in the points is eventually what he'll be looking for.

"They didn’t do much in terms of development of this car [RS16], so I hope next year is a little bit better already. But I don’t expect to be there in the top six straight away, even top 10 is going to be challenging.

"These things take long - to build an infrastructure back up and get good people back on board and develop the car."

Silbermann says ... Merry Christmas

2016 driver ratings: 12-1

2016 driver ratings: 24-13

2016 team-by-team review: Part one

2016 team-by-team review: Part two

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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.