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Abiteboul: One Hulkenberg mistake can be forgiven

Published on 02 May 2018 12:43
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By: Fergal Walsh

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul says that one mistake from Nico Hulkenberg per year can "more than be forgiven". Hulkenberg crashed out of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday, losing the rear of his car and hitting the wall at the exit of Turn 4.

Similarly, Hulkenberg made a self-inflicted mistake at the Baku race last season, hitting the wall at Turn 7. Abiteboul described the team's race result as 50% good, as Carlos Sainz managed to come home in fifth place, securing 10 points for the team.

"Carlos did a good race but Nico just made a mistake. He makes one a year and last year it was here as well! 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."

Fifth place marked Renault's best result since returning as a constructor in 2016. It now sits just one point behind McLaren in the championship table, as the duo look set for a season-long battle for fourth in the standings.

"We were not sure what to expect for this race, but fifth for Carlos is a great result, our best since returning to the sport two years ago. We have to admit it came in exceptional circumstances, but it is very positive. Carlos drove a very mature race, managing his tyres well, and fighting with multiple cars throughout the race.

"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.

"Overall [it was] a very good weekend. As a team we scored another handful of points and more than McLaren, so the deficit is now very close as we head towards Europe."

Fergal Walsh

ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475

I've defended Nico's driving ability plenty in the past. But it's these kind of key mistakes that have caused him to have zero podiums. It's also lack of mistakes in key moments that has allowed Sergio Pérez to collect 8 podiums driving similar cars.

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May 3 2018 - 17:42

F1 News Renault McLaren

Replies (4)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
I find the header a tad misleading... The header makes it sound like Hulk is walking a thin line, when Abiteboul is actually saying one mistake is nothing for them.

That aside: I think I might have made another pretty decent prophecy during the winter. Almost as good as when I foresaw Red Bull making their pitstops in Baku, seconds before it happened. /B) I was pretty sure Renault would be the prime candidate for P4, seeing as the power of a works team shouldnt be underestimated, especially not one with a solid driver lineup. McLaren is P4 now, but I dont see them being able to keep it up. Mclaren has had plenty of luck so far, and Alonso's skill isnt to be underestimated, but one driver and luck wont be enough. And Haas, while they looked really strong at first, isnt really funded enough, and their cars' tendency of disintegrating on track wont help.
- + 0
- May 2 2018 - 19:03
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
I've defended Nico's driving ability plenty in the past. But it's these kind of key mistakes that have caused him to have zero podiums. It's also lack of mistakes in key moments that has allowed Sergio Pérez to collect 8 podiums driving similar cars.
- + 1
- May 3 2018 - 17:42
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  I completely agree with you. He is so close to be something great, but he lacks consistency.
  + 0
  
  May 3 2018 - 19:43
- ajpennypacker
  
  Posts: 2,475
  @Calle the irony is that he is incredibly consistent until gets a chance to get on the podium. Then something always seems to happen.
  + 0
  
  May 3 2018 - 21:39