Claire Williams Impressed by Renault Revolution

Claire Williams has praised Renault's revolution since their return to Formula 1 in 2016.

Renault re-entered the sport taking over Lotus who finished 6th in the constructors' championship the year before.

Renault went on to score just 8 points in 2016, finishing 9th ahead of Sauber and Manor. Since this low period, Renault have been on the up.

Both drivers finished with points in Melbourne in which the team will hope sets the tone for 2018.

Claire Williams, deputy principal at Williams speaks highly of their sudden improvement.

“Renault have definitely done a pretty impressive job - I think they’re probably fighting, going to be snapping the heels of the top three.

“That’s a phenomenal turnaround - to turn around a team in this sport takes a huge amount of hard work and effort.”

The French team’s managing director suggested that a “lack of investment under previous ownership” was the reasoning behind poor finishes. Since the new owner has arrived, Renault have managed to expand and improve facilities and staff.

Nico Hulkenberg, Renault driver, suggested that these investments have given him a better car.

He said: “You feel it (investments) eventually, yes, because it translates into performance.

“You don’t get to the front in Formula 1 just by staying where you are, you need to make progress, you need to invest and you need to work harder than the others to catch up.”