How does it feel when you hear the title, Jolyon Palmer 2016 Renault Sport Formula One Team racing driver?
It sounds great! I can’t wait to get started! It’s been a long winter but a really useful one for getting prepared. I’ve been in Enstone a lot and training really hard. Later this month that I’ll be back in the car in Barcelona; I couldn’t be more ready.

How much of a difference is it from being a third driver in a private team to a race driver for a manufacturer team?
It’s quite a change! It’s a massively exciting project and it’s superb to be involved from the very start. It was fantastic to be announced as a race driver for 2016, then the magnitude increased once it was confirmed that Renault had bought the team and is making a massive commitment for the future. Last year provided a really good grounding for me and we’re now all at the start of a tremendous opportunity. To be a works driver for a fully-fledged manufacturer F1 team is everything I could dream of.

What have you seen change at Enstone in the recent weeks?
There was an immediate change in vibe around the factory and very rapidly all the machines were fired into action and materials started arriving. The mood in the factory is so positive and forward-looking; this is a team that’s revitalised and going places again. It’s going to be a transitional year, coming from a difficult end to 2015, so it’s my task to do the best job possible as the team grows and develops through this season. The potential is immense.

What is your approach to the season?
To be as prepared as I can be and deal with the challenges as they arise. It’s been good to have the winter break to get myself in a very good place mentally and physically. I’m focused on the job in hand. Once we’ve been able to experience the car out on track in testing we’ll be able to plan our approach better, at the moment there are so many unknowns before the car turns a wheel. It’s a new car, new engine and new owners. I just want to do my best and be happy with what I’ve done by the end of the year.


Are you ready for big increase in your workload?
I am and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I’m a Formula 1 driver, so I’m looking forward to every element. Last year was more intense than I expected and I was able to see how busy the drivers were. It’s not just on track, it’s the travel to get there as well as the time at the factory and other events. Now being part of a works team – with dealerships all over the place – it’s going to be really busy working with the Renault family and friends. The workload is part of a driver’s life. I’m sure I’ll see some interesting places and meet some lovely people over the course of the season. It’ll be a busy year and hopefully a very good year.

What have you been doing in preparation?
My winter training’s been really intense and really positive. When you’re unable to drive the car it’s good to be able to work on your fitness. Unfortunately I’ve had to contend with the British weather so I’ve done quite a bit inside in the gym! I’m a bit of a fair weather player, but I have been outside running when it stops raining!

Parlez-vous Francais?
I did do some French at A-level but I certainly will be brushing up on that! There’s certainly going to be plenty of people to speak French with and we’re all involved in this terrific project with great targets to achieve.

What does the return to Formula 1 with Renault Sport Formula One Team mean to you?
It’s an incredible feeling and it means so much. It’s not only a Formula 1 drive but it’s a top drive. Renault Sport will be fighting for world championships in the future, it might have a build-up phase, but they’re here to win and that’s a goal I share. I can’t believe I’m now a part of it.

How much of a rollercoaster has the last few years been for you?
It’s been character building! I had a season in 2014 with McLaren and I felt it went quite well pitched against a past World Champion. To be replaced the following year was tough even if the line-up the team used was very strong. I had been racing every year since I was six so to sit to the side certainly wasn’t part of my plan.

Do you have a point to prove on your Formula 1 race return?
Hopefully I’ll prove many points. I’m extremely motivated after a whole year away. I’ve been sitting on the sideline during the races for so many weekends and I’m hungry to come back and prove my worth. I’ve raced my whole life and I’m extremely hungry and keen to get in a race car again and even more so with Renault Sport!

What have you done to ensure you were race-ready in case any opportunity came your way?
Without racing last year I actually had more time to train and I feel very fit because of that. I’m physically ready. I’ve not had a lot of time in a race car but the time I had, I felt good. I was always surprised at how quickly I re-adapted to driving after time out of the car. I was pretty much immediately on the pace when I tested the Porsche Le Mans car and I’ve been on it whenever I’ve been in an F1 car. I’m ready.

It’s an exciting new project but there’s a lot to be achieved in a short time; how can you aid this process?
I have a lot to give. I’ve been connected to a top Formula 1 team for five years and three of those were in Formula 1 in driving and testing capacities. Despite just one season racing, I’ve got good experience. I can’t wait to get started at a great project such as a Renault factory team. I’m pleased to be a part of it.


What’s your previous history with Renault?
I’m familiar with the brand as I’ve raced in the junior categories such as Formula Renault 2.0, and was 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 series winner. In my mind that’s a nice connection to have and I remember my seasons in World Series by Renault well and they were great experiences. I hope to add to those great experiences through 2016 and beyond.

How does it feel to be announced as Renault Sport Formula One Team’s Third Driver?
I’m absolutely delighted to be part of Renault’s return to Formula 1 as a works team. At the end of last year, I signed up for the long term as part of the Mercedes-Benz junior programme, and I’m very proud that I have now also been chosen to help the Renault Sport Formula One Team this year. Not just as a French driver with a French team, but also because I can build on what I started a few years ago with the guys and girls at Enstone.
 
What is your history with Enstone?
Part of my heart is in this corner of the countryside in England. I grew up there, and visited for the first time when I was still go-karting at 13 years old. It blew me away: the people, the technology, just incredible. I was part of the Enstone family in junior categories until the end of 2014 and even had my first Formula 1 race weekend experience with the team in Abu Dhabi that year. I know many people in the team and I’ve learned so much from them. I’m still a young guy – but we have a long history together.
 
What is your approach to the season ahead?
To learn as much as I can and soak up information like a sponge. To be ready to jump in the car any time. And to help the team wherever I can. This is an incredible opportunity for me and I want to be ready to take the next step!
 
Aside from your role with Renault Sport Formula One Team, what else will you be doing?
My career has been managed by Mercedes since the end of 2014 and I became a full Mercedes junior at the end of last season, after winning the GP3 Series. Even in my new role as third driver for Renault Sport Formula One Team, I remain a long term member of the Mercedes family, and I have to thank Mercedes and Renault for making this possible. There are some opportunities out there to race as well this season but nothing has been decided yet. It is an incredible opportunity to be guided and supported by Toto (Wolff) and Mercedes – and to have the honour of representing a brand like Renault in Formula 1.