David Coulthard has hailed the performance of Kevin Magnussen after the Dane opened Renault's points account in Russia last weekend.

The occupant of the sister yellow car, Jolyon Palmer, is under pressure to up his game but former F1 driver Coulthard said that Magnussen is doing a good job.

"It was a great performance," said the Scot after Russia, "and exactly why Renault brought him back into Formula 1."

Coulthard, now a presenter and commentator, was referring to former McLaren driver Magnussen's feat of finishing seventh at Sochi at the wheel of the uncompetitive works Renault.

He told Viasat: "He took the opportunity and was humble enough to say that the result was due to exploiting others' mistakes."

Coulthard predicts a potentially bright future for the 23-year-old.

"He has the potential to win races," said the former Red Bull and McLaren driver, "and once you do that, then you are a potential world champion.

"Right now with the car he has he cannot show that potential and the situation he came out of at McLaren was slightly stale, which is how it is sometimes in Formula 1.

"But he possesses all the necessary skills. I hope he will get the opportunity to show them."

The season continues with the Spanish Grand Prix on May 15.