Jolyon Palmer 'gaining in stature' says Renault F1 technical chief
Jolyon Palmer is gaining in stature all the time and made "real progress" during the 2016 Formula 1 season, says Renault chief technical officer Bob Bell
Palmer endured a tricky start to his grand prix career, with several crashes - including on the start/finish straight in Monaco - but he turned things around mid-season.
He made a breakthrough with the set-up in Hungary and though he threw away points there with a spin, he finally got on the board in Malaysia, before finishing his debut campaign strongly.
Palmer also won the battle with Kevin Magnussen for the sole seat that was up for grabs at Renault, following Force India recruit Nico Hulkenberg's appointment.
"I don't know if it took him a while to get his head around Formula 1 in a full-on season, get used to the cars and get used to this car, and how to get the best out of it," Bell told Autosport.
"I don't know if it was just a learning thing for him. It quite possibly was but either way he's shown real progress.
"That's the important thing, whatever the reason behind it is.
"I don't think he's finished with that yet, he's going to keep improving.
"He'll learn from someone like Nico, which is another important factor, and he's prepared to learn which is good.
"He's got an open mind and he's gaining in stature all the time.
"If he keeps developing as he has done in the latter half of the season then he'll do well."
By retaining Palmer, Renault maintains some consistency heading into 2017, when the regulations are overhauled.
Bell said it was "important" to do so as "it is never good when you change two drivers".
He added: "To keep one of them is good for consistency and we're very pleased to have Jolyon with us.
"Honestly from an engineering perspective, it was a very difficult decision between Jo and Kev.
"Jo has certainly improved a lot, particularly in the latter part of the season.
"You can see him gaining confidence and he's just improving all the time.
"It will be a good pairing next year because they are quite different and will bring different things to what we're trying to achieve."
Previous article
Ferrari F1 team says Sebastian Vettel must be 'less agitated'
Next article
Williams F1 technical boss Pat Symonds leaves the team
Verstappen v Hamilton: Who was at fault?
Formula 1: Sprint Qualifying analysis
How Lotus F1 uncovered, then squandered its last ‘unfair advantage’
Cast in the mould of its founder Colin Chapman, Lotus was powerful and daring but flawed – as it proved through further soaring peaks and painful troughs into the 1980s. DAMIEN SMITH examines a game-changing era
The core problems Yas Marina’s long-awaited tweaks won't address
OPINION: Changes to the layout of Abu Dhabi’s circuit aim to reverse the trend of insipid Formula 1 races there - the promoter has even described one of the new corners as “iconic”. And that, argues STUART CODLING, is one of this venue’s abiding failings
How Ferrari offered Britain's next F1 prospect what Red Bull couldn't
Last year's Formula 2 runner-up Callum Ilott could be on his way to becoming the first Briton to contest a grand prix in an Alfa Romeo since Reg Parnell in 1950. But, says OLEG KARPOV, the Ferrari Driver Academy protege is having to temper his ambition at the moment – outwardly at least…
The signs that point to F1's rude health
OPINION: Formula 1's calendar might still be facing disruption as the pandemic affects travel but, says MARK GALLAGHER, the business itself is fundamentally strong thanks to the epic rivalry taking place on track and the consistent arrival of new sponsors
The unexpected benefit of F1’s sprint race repeat
OPINION: Formula 1's sprint race trial at Silverstone drew mixed feedback on Saturday, but there remained the true test of how it would impact Sunday's Grand Prix. While fans were busy marvelling at Fernando Alonso's progress, a key lesson was being learned that would directly contribute to the dramatic lap one clash at Copse the following day
The off-track considerations that led to F1’s Hamilton/Verstappen Silverstone shunt
OPINION: Formula 1’s 2021 title fight turned ugly last weekend when Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton collided at the start of the British Grand Prix. Verstappen thankfully walked away unharmed, but this had been a clash long-since coming
Will 2022's all-new cars look like F1's concept model?
Formula 1 provided its clearest example yet of what the 2022 cars are set to look like when it presented a full-scale concept to the world during the build-up to last weekend’s British Grand Prix. Underneath the special shiny livery was a design that hinted at the future, but teams will be digging into key areas that may reap differing results
British Grand Prix Driver Ratings
The 2021 British Grand Prix will live long in the memory for the dramatic clash between Formula 1's two title protagonists, which opened the door for other drivers to capitalise. One did so in spectacular fashion, while others fluffed their lines
