Carlos Sainz Jr. expressed encouragement over the pace of Renault’s R.S.18 as he claimed Renault’s best result since its Formula 1 comeback at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Sainz Jr. stayed out of trouble in a chaotic race, passing both Red Bull drivers, as he bagged fifth position, his best result since switching to Renault.
It also marked Renault’s highest classification in a race in the two-and-a-bit seasons since it took over at Enstone prior to the 2016 campaign.
“It’s a very strong result for the team,” said Sainz Jr. “I’m very happy and it was a really fun race, as always in Baku.
“It was crazy out there as the grip was difficult. The first stint was very strong and I was able to overtake both Red Bulls on track.
“Then, the Soft tyre was trickier for us and in the end we had to battle for that fifth place. It is positive for the team to go into Europe in a strong place in the Championship.
“I need to keep working hard with my engineers to keep building the car to my liking and to keep the points coming.”
Renault looked set to prise fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship from McLaren, but its prospects were thwarted by Nico Hulkenberg’s crash through Turn 4 after just 11 laps.
Sainz Jr.’s result nonetheless brought Renault to within a point of its opponent, a situation that provided optimism for team boss Cyril Abiteboul.
“Carlos drove a very mature race, managing his tyres well, and fighting with multiple cars throughout the race,” he said.
“It is very encouraging to look at how the grid has changed since last year; the gap to Red Bull and from the Renault engine to the rest of the field is obvious evidence of all the progress we have made and continue to make every weekend.
“Nico had some misfortune, but it was his only mistake last year and if it has to be his only mistake again this year, he will be more than forgiven.
“Overall a very good weekend; as a team we scored another handful of points and more than McLaren, so the deficit is now very close.”