NICO Hulkenberg was delighted to end the Formula One season on a high as the Enstone-based Renault team landed sixth place in the constructors’ championship.

The German driver finished sixth in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.

It helped Renault overhaul a four-point deficit to Toro Rosso.

It turned out to be an eventful race for Hulkenberg who, after starting seventh, was handed a five-second penalty for gaining a place while off the track on the first lap.

But after serving the violation in the pits, the German put in a series of quick laps to stay ahead of Force India’s Sergio Perez.

And he gained another position following the retirement of Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo to finish sixth.

Hulkenberg said: “It was a bit of a thriller!

“It is great to finish on a positive result and go into the winter with our chins up.”

Teammate Carlos Sainz started 12th and was battling for a place in the top ten, before a wheel came loose when exiting the pit lane, forcing an early retirement.

He said: “The pace was good and it’s such a shame we had that issue with the wheel and I had to stop, but these things happen.

“I think we deserved to have both cars in the points, but let’s stay with the positives – Nico got the job done for the team.”