Paul Jeffrey
Premium
The long expected early switch of Carlos Sainz to Renault has now been confirmed, potentially ending Jolyon Palmer's brief adventures in Formula One.
With a deal already in place to see Sainz heading over to Enstone for the 2018 season, agreed as a sweetener by Toro Rosso to extract themselves out of their engine supply contract early ahead of a switch to Honda power next season, the agreement has now been brought forward to the United States Grand Prix later this month.
Initially it was thought that Palmer would remain seated in the second Renault drive for the remainder of 2017 thanks to his contractual situation, however with continuing disappointing performances from the British former GP2 champion a way has been engineered to remove the 26-year-old from his drive early, pretty much drawing to a close a less than spectacular career at the pinnacle of open wheel racing.
Palmer hasn't been performing anywhere near the level expected by driver and team at the beginning of their relationship in Formula One, and with what will be 35 races together the Briton has only managed a career best sixth position, achieved at the Singapore Grand Prix earlier this year.
Speaking at Suzuka following confirmation that Sainz will be taking over his drive for the remainder of the season starting at the US Grand Prix at Austin this October 22nd, Palmer was keen to stress he remains committed to performing at a high level for the forthcoming Grand Prix on Sunday;
"The Japanese Grand Prix will be my last race for Renault," the Briton confirmed. "It’s been an extremely challenging season and I’ve been through a lot in the last three years, but it’s been a tremendous journey overall with the team.
"I can look back proudly at the performance in the second half of last season, my first point in Malaysia and of course reaching a career high of sixth place in Singapore this year. I wish the team all the best for the future.
"My immediate focus is now on achieving the best possible result in the Japanese GP, and then I can assess my options for the future."
On the other side of the deal an early move to Renault means the reinstatement of Daniil Kvyat at Toro Rosso alongside impressive rookie Pierre Gasly, giving the Russian driver another opportunity to prove he has what it takes to remain a Formula One driver in 2018 and beyond."I can look back proudly at the performance in the second half of last season, my first point in Malaysia and of course reaching a career high of sixth place in Singapore this year. I wish the team all the best for the future.
"My immediate focus is now on achieving the best possible result in the Japanese GP, and then I can assess my options for the future."
With Sainz now confirmed at Renault from Austin onwards, the Spanish driver was full of praise for a Toro Rosso team who gave him his debut in Grand Prix racing, and looked forward to ending the partnership on a high at Suzuka;
"First of all I would like to thank Toro Rosso and Red Bull for allowing me the possibility of finishing this season with Renault Sport Racing," Sainz said.
"More specifically, I really want to thank all my engineers and mechanics for their support and tremendous work throughout these years. Toro Rosso is made up of a fantastic group of people and I wish them only the best for the future.
"On my side, I will definitely do my very best in tomorrow’s race… this would be the best possible send-off! Additionally, competing in these last four races with Renault gives me a good opportunity to get to know the team and the car earlier than expected. I am looking forward to start working with them."
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Looking forward to seeing Sainz in a Renault from the next round? Does Palmer deserve another shot in Formula One? Who do you think will come out on top of the Hulkenberg / Sainz partnership next year? Let us know in the comments section below!
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