Nico Hulkenberg described the United States Grand Prix result as “massive” for Renault, with the team building a substantial buffer over Haas in the standings.
Haas had closed in on Renault since Formula 1’s summer break, with the manufacturer suffering a dip in form that led to it collecting just 10 points.
But in Austin Hulkenberg took sixth and was followed home by team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr., as the team returned to the front of the midfield pack.
It means Renault is now 22 points clear of Haas in the scrap for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with just Grands Prix in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi left to run.
“It’s a fantastic result, been a long time since we had a good result, relieved,” said Hulkenberg, who jumped Esteban Ocon at the start.
“14 points for us is massive, it’s good to bounce back and score a bunch of points. Recently it’s been a bit tough and dry.
“We just did a few things after the summer break, Spa, Monza, a lot of penalties, my shunt from the back, just been a couple of bad qualifyings, and when you start from the back it’s very hard to come through.
“This weekend we’ve been a bit more competitive, had a good qualifying, and a good race.”
Sainz Jr. was able to mitigate the impact of his five-second penalty for running through the Turn 1 exit run-off on the opening lap to follow Hulkenberg home.
“To finish sixth and seventh gives us strong points so congratulations for a fantastic team effort,” he said.
“On my side, I did a great start and arrived in the first corner ahead of the three cars previously in front.
“I did run wide behind the Ferrari but re-joined the track safely, letting Esteban by.
“I then overtook him cleanly round the outside in Turn 6, so I still can’t understand the penalty.”
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