After 3 years as (test)driver at Lotus & Renault we finally say goodbye to Jolyon Palmer. It wasn't a memorable one and this year he has failed to compete with colleague driver Nico Hülkenberg. Not once has the Brit out-qualified the German this season and lacking racepace, Renault decided engage in a 3-way deal with Honda and Toro Rosso.
This deal is kind of complicated as we have known for quite a while that Red Bull and Toro Rosso weren't jubilant with the technical calamities the engine delivered thus moving Carlos Sainz jr. next to Nico Hülkenberg in a Renault. This move is only a peace offer to the Renault team, so Red Bull Racing could buy off the contract for next year. The team wants a contending car right from the start in 2018. Meaning Honda will part ways with Mclaren and will supply the engine for Toro Rosso in 2018.
Who the winner in this 3-way trade? Well, so far everybody is winning. Sainz wanted a seat in a Red Bull but they are keeping Verstappen and Ricciardo to their contracts which expire at the end of next season, as Renault wanted to get rid of Jolyon but needed a replaced driver.
Renault made the right move knowing Nico will get alot more resistance from Carlos so they keep challenging each other and get the max performance.!
