Hulkenberg signing adds to 'tense' Renault driver battle

Hulkenberg's switch from Force India means at least one of Renault's current drivers will not return for next year, with Magnussen and Palmer effectively fighting each other to be retained.

"Fighting your team-mate is quite tense for the battle for next year," Palmer told Autosport.

"There's probably an extra element between the two of us to finish ahead.

"I'm still pushing to show the best I can and hopefully that's for Renault [next year], if not then I need to show the best I can for everyone else.

"There's a lot to play for. I hope it's not too late."

Palmer was disappointed in the United States Grand Prix not to be let through by Magnussen, when Renault did not issue any team orders to its drivers.

However, after a tough start to life in F1 the former GP2 champion believes he has shown well since the middle of the season.

"Since the summer break, even going back to Budapest before the break, my performances have been much stronger," he added.

"Every weekend now I'm right there, and the race pace is much stronger.

"I'm showing everything I can, and I hope it's enough.

"I'm pleased with my qualifying now to be on a really good run, and the pace in the last three races was good.

"[Austin] is the first one where I didn't get the result I should have done for my pace.

"I couldn't pass Kev, but I did a really long run on mediums and kept the tyres alive to the end - I hope they can see the pace was there."