Double podium for Infiniti Red Bull Racing at Monaco Grand Prix

Lotus F1 Team’s Kimi Raikkonen looked set for fifth position but a clash with McLaren’s Sergio Perez on lap 70 forced a late pit stop to change a punctured tyre.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing RB9

Photo by: XPB Images

The Finn rejoined in 16th but scythed through the field to seize 10th on the final lap and score the final point available, his 23rd consecutive race in the points. Romain Grosjean retired on lap 63 after a collision with Daniel Ricciardo.

Williams F1 Team took the flag in 12th with Valtteri Bottas. Pastor Maldonado retired on lap 44 after Max Chilton nudged him into a barrier. The impact brought out the red flag but the Venezuelan’s car was sufficiently damaged to be unable to take the restart.

Caterham F1 Team enjoyed its most competitive weekend to date. Giedo van der Garde made it to Q2 in qualifying, an F1 career-best, and finished in 15th, on the lead lap. Charles Pic retired on lap 7 with a gearbox issue.

Rémi Taffin, Renault Sport F1 head of track operations: "After announcing the first stage in our plans for 2014 this morning with the partnership with Scuderia Toro Rosso, it is great to consolidate with a very positive result on track. A double podium at Monaco is prestigious for many reasons but for a French engine manufacturer it is a pleasure to do well on home turf.

Furthermore the challenges it places on the engines are unique, with a huge emphasis on driveability and engine response, so it shows we are doing an OK job in this area!

It also keeps a strong Renault record going at Monaco. A Renault-powered car has scored six wins in Monte Carlo* and in 2010 we achieved a triple podium.

Aside from the podium, it has been a strong race across all our partners. Kimi looked set for a good finish but was very unfortunate. Caterham and Williams have also taken a step forward this weekend, with strong qualifying and race performances.

Montreal is a very different type of track from here, but one that is equally challenging so we look forward to another positive event over there."

(*) 1995 (Schumacher, Benetton-Renault), 2004 (Trulli, Renault F1 Team), 2006 (Alonso, Renault F1 Team), 2010 (Webber, Red Bull-Renault), 2011 (Vettel, Red Bull-Renault), 2012 (Webber, Red Bull-Renault)

Renault Sport F1