Source: Renault F1 Media

F1 News

Abiteboul praises Sainz's contribution to Renault

Abiteboul praises Sainz's contribution to Renault

19-11-2018 17:35
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Jake Williams-Smith

Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul has paid tribute to Carlos Sainz ahead of the Spaniard's final race with the team. Sainz will move to McLaren for the 2019 season after just over a year with the French team, a stint that will come to an end after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In the team's race preview ahead of the final round of the 2018 season, Abiteboul praised Sainz's input and driving for the team and wished him the best with his future team, McLaren.

"Abu Dhabi will be Carlos’ final race with us," he said. "His contribution to Renault’s journey in Formula 1 over these 14 months has been very positive and we are extremely thankful for what he has achieved.

“Carlos is as good outside of the race seat as he is behind the wheel and he’s been a credit to the team. After the race we will wish him every success for his future.”

Renault is likely to finish fourth in the constructors' championship behind the top three teams and ahead of Haas after a close battle for much of the season for the position as 'best of the rest' behind the top teams.

Sainz sits 12th in the driver standings but could move as high as seventh in Abu Dhabi but a more realistic aim would be to break into the top ten in his final race, currently just six points off of tenth place.