Palmer: First 2017 F1 points 'a weight off the shoulders'

Jolyon Palmer has admitted that scoring his first points of the Formula 1 season in Singapore last weekend felt like "a weight off the shoulders", but is determined to carry this good form through the final six rounds of the year.

Just 48 hours after it was confirmed Palmer would be dropped by Renault for 2018, the Briton swept to sixth place under the lights in Singapore, marking his best finish in F1 as well as his first points of the year.

Palmer made no secret of his relief after ending his points drought, but hopes to use the result as a catalyst to enjoy a strong finish of the season.

"Finally we had a smooth race, which is ironic given what was going on with the safety cars and the tricky weather conditions," Palmer said.

"We made a good start, and the move on Bottas was fun; a lot happened in the two hours.

"It feels like a weight off the shoulders to get some points, I hope to push on now and get some more. I know I can do it."

Palmer now heads to Malaysia, the site of his maiden top-10 finish in F1 last year, where he is eager to keep the momentum gained in Singapore going.

"It’s always nice and warm there and I tend to do well in these humid races; Malaysia last year, Singapore this year, so I’m looking forward to it," Palmer said.

"It’s a cool track with a good atmosphere to match. It’s a flowing circuit with some long straights, fast corners and hard braking zones.

"We have a bit of confidence going there. The car keeps getting better, I’m certainly improving too so we’ll aim to get another good result."