Drivers criticise Renault's new qualifying mode

Renault introduced a new qualifying mode in Austria, aiming to emulate Mercedes' party mode which has seen them turn it up time after time in qualifying in the last few years.

Renault powered cars have often found qualifying more difficult than the race this season, with Red Bull taking only one pole position and McLaren and Renault usually gaining positions in the race.

Mercedes and Ferrari engines provide a special mode that turns the engine up to maximum power, giving drivers the best chance of producing the fastest qualifying lap possible.

Renault finally introduced their version for the Austrian Grand Prix, although it failed to impress the drivers.

Max Verstappen said: "I think there was a small increase in power, but I'm not sure it is fully optimised yet. I think it has improved a little, but it was hard to feel.”

Verstappen qualified in fifth but started fourth due to Sebastian Vettel’s penalty and Daniel Ricciardo was even behind the Haas of Romain Grosjean.

Some others Renault powered drivers also expressed their concerns, with Nico Hulkenberg saying: “I think something more important has to happen to make it noticeable.”

Fernando Alonso added: “We trust that it will do more, but it is difficult to make a direct comparison between the previous map and this one.”

Renault will be hoping to increase the effect of their party mode, which could see Red Bull challenge for more race victories, and Renault and McLaren score points more regularly.