Carlos Sainz at Renault (2017–2018)

Carlos Sainz's tenure with the Renault F1 Team from late 2017 through 2018 represented a pivotal period in his burgeoning Formula 1 career, establishing him as a reliable points scorer capable of contributing to a factory team's development.

How it began

Sainz joined Renault for the final four races of the 2017 season, making his debut with the team at the United States Grand Prix after an early release from Toro Rosso. This move was a clear step up from his initial years at Carlos Sainz at Toro Rosso (2015–2016), signaling Renault's intent to strengthen its driver lineup as it continued its ambitious return as a full works constructor. The French outfit, having re-entered the sport in 2016, was in a rebuilding phase, aiming to climb the constructors' standings and challenge the established front-runners. Sainz's arrival, alongside Nico Hülkenberg, was designed to provide a consistent, experienced pairing to spearhead this effort.

The partnership's character

Over 25 races with Renault, Sainz demonstrated the consistent performance that would define his time there. While he secured no wins or podiums, his ability to regularly finish in the points was invaluable. In the four races of 2017, he contributed 6 points, finishing the season 9th in the standings. The full 2018 season saw him amass 53 points, placing him 10th overall. This consistent output, totaling 59 points across the stint, underscored his capacity to maximize the performance of the RS17 and RS18 chassis, often battling in the competitive midfield. His technical feedback and driving style were instrumental in helping Renault refine their car, laying groundwork for future improvements.

Key chapter in the seasons

The 2018 season was the true test of Sainz's capabilities at Renault. Competing in all 21 races, he frequently found himself in the top ten, with his best result being a fifth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This consistent scoring, alongside Hülkenberg, allowed Renault to secure fourth place in the Constructors' Championship that year, a significant achievement in their rebuild. Sainz's adaptability and race craft were evident, as he navigated the evolving technical regulations of Formula One, extracting performance from a car that, while improving, still had limitations against the top three teams. His contributions during this period were crucial in solidifying Renault's position as a serious contender in the midfield.