GP – Renault keeps its head underwater

Renault concludes its weekend in the Principality today with a disappointing result, as neither of its drivers managed to bring their R28 into the points. The weather was the crux of the matter this afternoon, with the track starting off damp and then wet at the beginning of the race, before gradually drying. Fernando Alonso started from seventh place on the grid with rain tires, while Nelson opted for extreme wet tires. The Spaniard quickly switched to extreme wets after having to return to the pits due to an early race collision.

Over the laps, the track dried significantly, causing the two Renault drivers to struggle with their tires and forcing them to switch to dry tires very early. Shortly after, Nelson retired at Sainte Devote. Fernando managed to stay on track and maintained a good pace towards the end of the race, but he finished in tenth place, out of the points.

This is therefore a missed opportunity today for Renault, which now hopes to bounce back and seize its chance at the next event in Montreal, Canada, in two weeks.

Fernando Alonso – 10th:

« We did not manage to achieve what I believe we could have claimed under normal race conditions. The track evolved a lot, the car became delicate, and I made a mistake. After that, we tried to go for an alternate strategy, but it ultimately didn’t pay off, which is a shame. Since we can’t fight for the championship, we have to try everything to stand out, even if it means making risky choices. Today it didn’t work, but now we hope the next race in Montreal goes better! »

Nelson Piquet – Retirement:

I had a difficult weekend and I am naturally very disappointed. The track conditions were changing, we took the risk of opting for dry tires while the track was still very wet and tricky, I made a mistake, and it’s really a shame. I must not feel sorry for myself. I must try to stay focused for the next event in Canada.

Flavio Briatore – General Manager Renault:

« It is another missed opportunity and it’s all the more frustrating as we were competitive today. Fernando had a very aggressive race but after his exit, it was clear that he would be too far to aim for points. Nelson’s race is disappointing but Monaco remains a difficult and very atypical event. So let’s focus now on the next race in Canada. »

Pat Symonds – Executive Director of Engineering

« With the third fastest lap in the race, we once again confirm today the recent progress we’ve made, and this on a very different circuit. But unfortunately, it is the only positive thing we will take from Monaco this year. It has been a very difficult weekend, ending in a tough race where we were unable to realize our true potential.

According to a Renault F1 press release