Carlos Sainz says securing his late-season switch to Renault was essential to assuring he will be performing at a top level next year.
Having already secured a move from Toro Rosso to the French manufacturer for 2018, Sainz has been brought in to replace Jolyon Palmer for the remainder of the season. Sainz will make his debut in yellow and black in Austin and the team has revealed pictures of the Spaniard in his new colours.
One reason for his early arrival was Renault's frustration with Palmer, who scored just eight points to Hulkenberg's 34 in their 16 races together.