Jolyon Palmer endured a tough maiden season in F1, but the Renault driver believes there was a silver lining to the snags and challenges thrown his way.
The 25-year-old Renault driver had to learn the ropes of Grand Prix racing in a difficult environment and then prove his merit half way through the season to save his seat with the French team.
In the end, Palmer acquitted himself quite well enough to deserve a second year on the F1 trail, but perhaps more importantly, he emerged stronger on all fronts.
"I've become a lot stronger because of this year, mentally it has been tough," Palmer told Autosport.
"Everything that could have been thrown my way has been, in terms of driving a difficult car and maybe being undervalued.
"Also, having all the mind games with different drivers out there and not knowing what's going to happen next means you gain a lot of mental strength, as well as improving as a driver.
"I don't think it's a bad thing if it can improve you in the long run and hopefully this will be the toughest it gets."
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