Canada 2018 - GP Preview - Renault F1

Cyril Abiteboul

The Monaco Grand Prix is always a test for teams, chassis and engines, both in performance and in reliability. We left there with mixed feelings. We got both drivers to the finish to score double points - it was a welcome return to the top ten for Nico after two tough races, while Carlos maintained his run. In fact, only he, Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have scored in the last four events.

However, we also exposed some of our weaknesses. We know we have to work on tyre management and optimising qualifying to provide our drivers with less challenging circumstances for them to perform at their best. These finer points are now the focus; by and large we are performing well, but these details can make the difference between scoring points and finishing just outside.

We therefore look forward to Canada with optimism; we have the next stage of our power unit development scheduled and a number of aero and mechanical upgrades. Canada is a tough race, but we need to pull together to make the most of every opportunity.

Nick Chester

After the team’s third double-points finish of the season in Monaco, focus immediately switches to Montréal, a track which places emphasis on power, balancing downforce and heavy braking, as Chassis Technical Director Nick Chester reveals.

What can we expect when we arrive in Canada?

It’s a track which isn’t used very much, so it’s usually a pretty dirty surface when we start running on it. It’s very much a traction circuit, as there are quite a few slow corners and then some big long straights. Canada is about power and traction. You need a lower downforce set-up level, as you also need that straight-line speed. Striking a downforce balance can be quite difficult, but we’re usually pretty good at working out what level to run when we get there. Kerb riding too is important, and we need to get the car low and stiff to balance between the best aero and getting the car riding the kerbs. Kerb riding is important but we need to optimise rideheights for the aero platform so there is a balance to be struck between aero performance and getting the car riding the kerbs.

Is it difficult to manage a flyaway race in between the busy European segment of the calendar?

The logistics are slightly harder for Canada, as you have to pack up earlier and get it freighted out there. It’s going to be more difficult afterwards as we will need to get everything back ready for the triple header. It’s going to be a challenge and a big job.

Will there be anything new for the Renault R.S.18 in Montréal?

There’s a B-spec engine for Canada and we’re looking forward to that, as it should bring a bit more performance. There are a few bodywork updates too with some rear wing end plates, as well as small changes to the front wing. We’re trying to bring things to the track at every race.

How do you look back on Monaco?

Overall, it was a decent weekend with both cars scoring points. Nico recovered well in the race and worked his strategy very well. Carlos endured heavy tyre degradation to his fronts and had to settle for tenth. It’s important that we keep chipping away at points, and we’ve done that in Monaco. 

Nico Hülkenberg

Nico Hülkenberg made a return to the points last time out with a hard-fought eighth place. Now the German is determined to follow that up in Canada for the seventh Grand Prix of the 2018 season.

What are your thoughts on the Canadian Grand Prix?

Canada is a fantastic weekend. The city, the atmosphere and the circuit itself all make it an enjoyable Grand Prix. The track has a nice flow to it, despite being slightly green and dirty when we arrive as it’s part street, part race track. There are big walls on the exit of corners, as well as some kerbs to ride. It’s an enjoyable lap to drive.

What does the car have to go through in Montréal?

Canada is about top speed and finding the right downforce balance. There are a couple of long straights with hard braking zones at the end of them. It’s probably one of the toughest circuits out there for brakes, and you need confidence to be able to stop at the same rate, lap after lap, especially when you’re trying to go deep into corners. Setting up the car to ride kerbs in Canada is also important to ensure a fast lap time.

What’s the Canadian atmosphere like to experience?

It’s usually a really good atmosphere in Canada, you can see how much the locals relish Formula 1 when it comes to town and we always receive a nice reception there. The hairpin is where you feel that buzz, as you’re surrounded by grandstands and that creates a lot of noise!

Where can a race be won and lost in Canada?

Overtaking opportunities are fairly limited in Canada, but the final chicane is the best place to send one! In fact, it’s probably the place which can make or break a lap. Strategy could be interesting again, as we’ll be running the Hypersoft tyre, like in Monaco. There’ll be some options in that area, and lap times are likely to be very fast!

How does The Hulk reflect on Monaco?

We bounced back well after missing Q3 in Monaco, making the most of a reverse strategy for some good points in the race. I think it was a bright weekend overall and important for the team to have both cars inside the top ten. Now we want to build on that by repeating it in Montréal, only slightly higher up the order!

Carlos Sainz

After a fourth points-scoring finish in a row in Monaco, Carlos Sainz heads to Canada targeting another strong finish to add to his collection.

What do you like about Montréal?

Montréal is one of my favourite cities to visit on the Grand Prix calendar. There are many good restaurants to visit, especially some great steakhouses, and I really enjoy it there! The entrance to the Paddock in Canada is unique as you have to walk on a floating bridge to cross the lake. It’s a cool race weekend!

What’s the circuit like to drive?

It’s certainly a different circuit, quite similar to Melbourne in a way, as it’s a mix of a street and a permanent track. The circuit is usually dirty with leaves and even wildlife during the early parts of the weekend and that makes it a bit of a challenge to get up to speed. I quite like the section between turns four, five, six and seven. The walls are close and you have to find the rhythm through there to get it right and ride over the kerbs. Last but not least, you have the Wall of Champions, the final chicane, another legendary circuit corner on the calendar!

You must be pleased with four points-scoring finishes in a row?

I think it’s positive that we’re looking competitive and scoring points at the past few races. It’s important to keep scoring points and adding to the tally. Now it’s about building on this consistency and placing ourselves higher inside the top ten. Bring on Canada and continuing this positive stride.