CARLOS Sainz thanked everyone in the Renault team after making a successful Formula 1 debut for the Enstone-based team.

The Spaniard, who has replaced Jolyon Palmer, finished seventh at the United States Grand Prix, which was won by Lewis Hamilton.

It moved the team back up to the same position in the constructors’ championship, leapfrogging Banbury’s Haas team.

Sainz said: “It was a great debut for me with Renault and I really enjoyed myself out there.

“Right from the beginning, every lap I was feeling more confident with the car, so I was able to push harder.

“The whole team has really helped me out and that was key to adapt quickly.”

Teammate Nico Hulkenberg was forced to retire early on with an oil pressure issue.

Grove’s Williams remain fifth after Felipe Massa finished ninth, while Lance Stroll finished 11th.

Massa said: “We lost a few points to Renault, but it was a positive race and I’m happy with the result.”

l A TERRIFIC season for SPY Motorsport ended on a high as they completed a one-two in the GTA Class of the GT Cup.

The team, whose headquarters are in Berinsfield, had already wrapped up the title through Dominic Paul.

But Brent Millage secured the runners-up spot overall by finishing third, seventh and second across the final round at Snetterton.

Paul stretched his lead with a first, second and fourth to end up 162 points clear of his teammate.

The team’s director and manager, Peter Young said, “It’s been a fantastic year for SPY Motorsport.”