Kevin Magnussen has described his point finish in last Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix as “a boost” for Renault in what has been a “very demanding” return to Formula One for the French constructor.
Having lined up 15th on the grid, the Dane managed to climb all the way to 10th place in a thrilling contest, thus delivering his and Renault’s second points-scoring performance this year after Sochi in early May.
“I’m very happy for the whole team as this must be a boost for all of us,” Magnussen said. “It’s been a very demanding season as we all want to score points at every race, but that’s not been possible. Nevertheless we all keep fighting and a result like this shows why we fight and why we never give up.”
Magnussen, who admitted over the weekend that he still did not know whether he would be kept by Renault for next year, heaps praise on the French outfit after sleek pit work execution and a stable R.S.16 fuelled his recovery.
“The team nailed it with the strategy, with the start and with the balance of the car. To drive a race like this and not to win it; it feels strange because for me it felt perfect.”
REPORT: Rosberg takes title lead after Singapore thriller
Breakfast with … Bernd Maylander
Silbermann says … Not so sleepy in Singapore
Romain Grosjean column: Drivers have a certain shelf life
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter