Ocon not yet guaranteed Renault seat
- Published on 25 Jul 2018 10:08
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- By: Jeroen Jonkers
Carlos Sainz is not yet out of the running to keep his Renault seat for 2019.
What is known is that Nico Hulkenberg is staying with the French works team.
"I am still pleased with my decision to join Renault," the German told Auto Hebdo.
"Of course, it will still take time. Will it be one, two, three years? We will see.
"I doubt the 2019 rule changes will change the hierarchy a lot. But we cannot afford to miss the big 'reset' of 2021," Hulkenberg added.
The identity of his 2019 teammate is less certain.
Renault is happy with Sainz, but the Spaniard is only 'on loan' from Red Bull. And in Hungary, rumours grew stronger that Esteban Ocon could replace him.
Sainz, in turn, has been linked with McLaren.
But Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul is not ruling out Sainz yet, even though he is believed to want a Frenchman at the wheel.
"We want to give Carlos a good car and we want him to stay at Renault," he told Spanish radio Cadena Cope. "There is no reason to be worried."
Spanish sources say Abiteboul will soon meet with his Renault bosses Jerome Stoll and CEO Carlos Ghosn to discuss the matter.
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Replies (5)
Login to replyblade
Posts: 341
Sainz to partner Alonso makes a lot of sense to the spectator - but to expose yourself to a master (he hasn't managed to better the Hulk) would take some guts, despite what he might be offered in salary. Not sure DR has resigned yet with RBR - wonder if the McClaren link is still alive ? He could be defacto number 1 at this team when Alonso leaves - by all accounts in 2 years time - might still be a smart move?
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I hope Sainz stays at Renault and Alonso at McLaren. Sainz would burn himself at McLaren. It's a bit of a losing situation currently. I think only Alonso can race there and still come out looking like a million bucks. Not just because of his brilliance driving, but also the way he carefully manages perceptions.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yes, but he will burn himself regardless. He gets beaten to a pulp by Hulk, and he'd get beaten to a pulp by Alo. So there is nothing really for him to gain or lose regardless. He'll go where he get a seat, methinks, because RB no longer need him to calm down Renault.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
After all the talk, I just want to see Hulk to have one damn podium.
Eoin16
Posts: 1
Alonso will bring Carlos to McLaren as his REPLACEMENT.
It is Alonso's Kimoa brand that is the primary sponsor right now. Alonso has de Ferran in place to run the team in his absence while he spends they year in Indycar.
Alonso has always felt the Sainz is the hier to his throne and he seems to be creating a team for him.
Also, look at his recent defence of Vandoorne. Not a typical Alonso move. But Sainz/Vandoorne team would be a pretty exciting and reliable lineup given the age and pedigree of both the drivers.
McLaren taken care of, Alonso is free to focus on completing the Triple Crown in 2019