Jolyon Palmer concluded his first FIA Formula One World Championship season with 17th position in today’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Jolyon made a great start from P15 to end the first lap in 11th on Pirelli’s ultra-soft tyres, however he struggled with degradation later in the race, pitting for new softs on laps seven and 21. He made a final stop on lap 41 for a fresh set of the super-soft rubber, while also receiving a five-second penalty for contact with Carlos Sainz. The young British rookie finished the year placed 18th in the Drivers’ Championship.

Jolyon Palmer, #30, R.S.16-05
Started P15, finished P17

Jolyon said: “I had a really good start – up to 11th – and was keeping pace with the Williams for a while, but unfortunately the tyre degradation was unbelievable for us. Our overall pace was ok, but the tyres were running out, which meant I had to make three stops.

“I was trying to fight with everyone through the race but I had no grip, which makes it very difficult. I tried to pass Carlos as he left a gap, but he braked a bit early and I had no grip to slow down. It’s a real shame.”

Fred Vasseur, Team Principal of Renault Sport Formula One Team added: “That was not the grand prix we wanted to end our season. Jolyon’s great start didn’t translate into a great finish come the chequered flag, but today’s result should not detract from all the progress made at Viry and Enstone over the past year. We will be in a far better position to fight for more points next season.”