Fewtrell spurred on by thought of future Renault F1 drive

Renault junior driver Max Fewtrell believes the thought of a possible future Formula 1 drive with the French team is spurring him on to continue succeeding in 2019. The reigning Formula Renault Eurocup champion is preparing to move up to the FIA F3 Series with ART Grand Prix for 2019, and continues on Renault's junior driver programme for the third straight year.

Fewtrell believes he is getting slightly distracted by the idea of a possible F1 drive, but is allowing the prospect to become a source of motivation. Renault target a race seat for one of their junior drivers no later than 2021, with Nico Hulkenberg's contract due to finish at the end of this season, while new signing Daniel Ricciardo has agreed a contract until the end of 2020.

"For me, jumping in an F1 car is still a dream right now." Fewtrell told Crash.net, "It really does keep me motivated in the gym, just to think there is a seat, there is an opportunity and that's why I am here."

Fewtrell is one of the more seasoned drivers in the Renault Sport Academy programme with only Jack Aitken more experienced. Aitken is known for taking one victory in the FIA F2 Series last year with ART, and has carried out reserve driver duties last year as well as taking part in both in-season tests, but has not been named as part of the programme for 2019.

"It's a dream come true to sit in an F1 car and do laps, so that thought is still crazy in my mind." Fewtrell added. "I think if I just keep my head down, focus and perform hopefully the performance will bring some rewards and I do believe that maybe, something might happen."