Jolyon Palmer says he has set fire to his “unlucky underpants” as the Renault driver seeks a change of fortune at next weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Briton endured a new low at his home grand prix last weekend, ruled out of the race by a hydraulic problem on the formation lap after qualifying in a promising 11th position. Palmer, 26, has yet to score a point in ten races this season, finishing 11th three times in his past five starts, and eclipsed on the track by his new German team-mate, Nico Hulkenberg.
“I have burnt the unlucky under- pants so they are now out of the way,” Palmer said. “I’m not superstitious, but this run of bad luck has to end.”
There had been speculation before Silverstone that Palmer could be replaced for the final race before the August holiday break, but the rumours were swiftly dismissed by Renault’s F1 managing director, Cyril Abiteboul. “I made it clear to everyone that there was absolutely nothing true in that, and I told that to Jo directly,” he told motorsport.com.
Abiteboul made clear yesterday, however, that he expected Palmer to end his barren run at the Hungaroring. “We have shown at Silverstone that we are continuing to improve. Chassis developments, in particular the new floor, proved to be positive,” said Abiteboul. “Its critical to back up this improvement with both cars finishing in the top ten in Hungary.”