Renault happy with academy progress in 2018

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has been reflecting on the progress that the French side's academy has been making over the course of 2018.

Abiteboul has said it's "pleasing" to see some "excellent results" from Renault's 2018 academy drivers.

"It's been pleasing to see excellent results from the 2018 crop of Renault Sport Academy Drivers," Abiteboul said. "A good reward for a lot of hard work and preparation behind the scenes.

"Developing a competitive Formula 1 package is one thing, but ensuring the most talented drivers are in the cockpit is also a critical ingredient and something Renault very much buys into. The young drivers currently coming through the doors at Enstone are the ones we expect to be in the race seats in the near future.

"There is still a bit of time before we see the team and young drivers fighting for world championships, but the academy is always discovering new ways to progress and grow stronger.

"We have been satisfied overall with what we've seen this season and how this success exemplifies the young driver ladder, which Renault has set."

Abiteboul then went onto pinpoint some individual highlights from the Academy, mentioning Max Fewtrell's win in the Formula Renault Eurocup title.

"Looking at the highlights of the year, Max Fewtrell won the Formula Renault Eurocup title, demonstrating consistency and a level-head at the right times to take the championship," Abiteboul added.

"Christian Lundgaard pushed Max close in his rookie season in the Eurocup to finish runner-up. Overall, Max, Christian as well as Victor Martins, fifth in the series, were very impressive this season and join an elite list of names to achieve success in the highly-competitive Eurocup."