Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg says the manufacturer favoured a higher grid spot over free choice of starting tyre in Mexico – a direct contrast to rival Force India.
Renault has displayed strong pace in Mexico but both Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz Jr. must start on the Hypersoft tyre that has shown high levels of degradation, having made it through to Q3.
Hulkenberg will line up from seventh position with Sainz Jr. eighth.
Force India, meanwhile, felt it had the speed to make Q3 but favoured a free choice of tyre compound for the opening stint.
“We gave that [strategy] some thought but we felt it was better to have track position, start ahead, and manage it from there,” said Hulkenberg.
“This weekend it is quite tricky, [the race] will tell.
“But I wasn’t also convinced, staying out of Q3 and having free tyre choice also has some risks involved. I was also going for the maximum grid position.
“[The Hypersoft] is a tyre that requires management and its life is not as long as the other compounds. But we will manage.”
Sainz Jr. conceded that oversteer in his R.S.18 compromised his own prospects during the session.
“We’ve confirmed we’re in a better place than in previous races and we’ve found a bit more performance in the car, so we can be happy with that,” he said.
“From a personal point of view, qualifying could have gone better as I was fighting the balance of the car and I had a lot of oversteer.
“I wasn’t feeling so happy in the car, but we still made Q3. We always want more, so we’ll be fighting to ensure it’s another successful team result with double points.”
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