Jolyon Palmer bids farewell to F1 after Japanese Grand Prix

Yesterday's Japanese Grand Prix would be the last for British driver Jolyon Palmer as he will be leaving Renault and exiting Formula 1 after finishing in 12th place. Taking his place at Renault would be Toro Rosso driver, Carlos Sainz, who will be completing the rest of Palmer's season.

Earlier, Palmer had insisted that he will be completing the 2017 season with Renault, but had suddenly announced his deparature after qualifying at Suzuka. He states that the split was agreed upon with 'mutual consent'. Despite the early departure, Palmer says that he will leave the sport with his head held high, without any biterness.

"It's time to say goobye. I wouldn't say there is any relief - it has been a tough season, but I would have loved to see out the season. Some things I can't control, but of course I'd have wanted it to go better my end as well,” said Palmer.

Palmer has been with Renault for two seasons in which he showed promise during the first season, scoring a point for the team in Malaysia. However, in the current season he has consistently been outperformed by his team mate Nico Hulkenberg, despite having his career best 6th place finish in Singapore only a few weeks back. Prior to Formula 1, he won the GP2 series in 2014 for the DAMS team, before being picked up by Lotus as a test driver in 2015. Throughout his stay in Renault, the Brit had managed to score a total of 9 championship points. 

As for Toro Rosso, Daniil Kvyat will be returing to take the place of Sainz. He will be driving alongside French team mate Pierre Gasly at the upcoming US Grand Prix.