Q&A with Jolyon Palmer - Next for me is to be with Renault long term

How did the year go for you?

The year was very good for me. I learnt a huge amount and coming from GP2 into Formula 1 there was a lot to take in, certainly more than I expected! The way the team operates is the biggest difference, there’re so many involved in Formula 1. By being at the races and driving the car a lot it made for a big learning curve and I was rewarded with the drive for next year. Job done!

What was the highlight?

The highlight was driving at Silverstone. It’s such a cool track and driving a Formula 1 car there is so surreal. It’s the time I look back at and think wow I’ve come a long way. My first race there was in 2006, nine years later I’m in a Formula 1 car, it’s a dream come true! I had a lot of friends and family there that weekend. Another great highlight was Romain getting the podium at Spa, being part of the team and seeing the reaction was just great.

And personally / away from work, any highlights?

My highlight is work-related! Mexico returned to the F1 calendar and it was a great highlight for me. The atmosphere was the best I’ve ever seen at a race track. It was also nice to be one of the first out there on track in Free Practice. It was just an awesome weekend with a fantastic crowd.

What is the most important thing you have learnt this year?

I think it was probably the level of teamwork. My first year in Formula 1 and it was a hell of year for us as a team! It was challenging at times and it affected me as well as all in the team but everyone pulled together to get us on track and keep the car in the points. Everyone pulled together well as a team.

What was your lowest point & how did you recover?

My lowest point would be very briefly in China. It was my first FP1 and I spun the car on an early lap...It was a heart-stopping moment. I realised then I had a lot to learn. It was my first session and I didn’t know what to expect, but you don’t want to have an accident in someone else’s car! It was all good in the end!

What are you doing for Christmas?

I’m at home for Christmas, planning to do very little! It’s been a long year, still working in December up until Christmas. I’ll have a week off for Christmas and New Year; I’ll continue my intense training programme but I’ll enjoy the time off until January the 2nd when I’m back at it!

What is your New Year resolution?

I never have one!

How will you be training this winter?

My training isn’t specific, but I will be training hard as I’m stepping up into a Formula 1 car as a race driver. By the time we get to Barcelona for testing it’s full on and I can’t have any question marks over my fitness when we get to Melbourne so I’ll be working very hard!

What is next for you?

Next for me is to be with Renault long term. I think 2016 will be exciting. It won’t be the easiest year in a transition season but the long term potential is huge. I want to have a good year, show my best, and progress as a driver, and hopefully the team will keep me and we have a good car fighting for championships in the future.

What colour do you think Renault will be next year? Pink with purple spots!?

I’ll guess it’ll have to be yellow!

What is your 3-word review of 2015?

Lots of fun!