Nico Hulkenberg concedes Friday’s practice in Montreal was “more difficult” for Renault than it needed to be as both drivers had issues.

Hulkenberg managed just three laps in Friday’s first practice before his RS18 came to a halt out on track.

The German had a gear selection issue and was left in neutral, unable to get the car into gear.

That brought out the red flags and signalled the end of his session.

“It’s been a more difficult Friday,” said Hulkenberg.

“Losing the morning is quite costly and not ideal, as you always play catch-up all day and you can’t really go through all the things that you want to.