Hulkenberg and Sainz Pushing Renault Up: Prost

Former F1 world champion Alain Prost believes that Renault has transformed itself into a true team. He credited the solid driver line-up of Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz for Renault’s great form. Sainz joined the French outfit at the end of last year following Jolyon Palmer’s disappointing performance.

Prost said, “Nico is solid, and along with Carlos, they will pull the team upward. I really believe in Carlos, we’ll see how he evolves. What he did in Austin at the US Grand Prix [where Sainz finished 7th] was a good example. He went from Toro Rosso to a big manufacturer’s team, where there’s always a bit more pressure. What he achieved during that weekend was quite remarkable.” In Mexico, he made a small mistake, which is something we must accept. That’s why I wanted him to join us as early as possible, so he could put a few races behind him before 2018. He’ll reach more milestones.”

Prost may be all praise for Sainz, but the F1 legend won’t know until later this year if the Spaniard will remain with Renault in 2019. Its easy to forget that the Spaniard is on loan from Red Bull for one season only.

He said, “We’ll see what’s going to happen next year with the market, as it’s very open. We need to concentrate on the work with Carlos and Nico. Obviously we don’t know if we are going to keep him at the end of 2018. But we had to make this choice. We are not in the position to be world champions yet. So we have to put step by step. We’ll see what’s going to happen next year with the market, as it’s very open. We need to concentrate on the work with Carlos and Nico.”

What does the 2018 season hold for Renault, we will have to wait and see?