---
title: "Renault set to retain Maldonado and drop Grosjean for 2016"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2015/09/20/renault-set-retain-maldonado-drop-grosjean-2016/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Josh Suttill"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2015-09-20T11:16:48Z"
modified: "2015-09-20T14:02:32Z"
---

# Renault set to retain Maldonado and drop Grosjean for 2016

While eyes turned towards today’s thrilling qualifying session, rumours were spilling out of the Formula One paddock that Renault are poised to retain Pastor Maldonado for 2016 when they return to F1 as a works team. Furthermore, Romain Grosjean is believed to be leaving the team.

[AMS](https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/lotus-ist-gerettet-renault-comeback-perfekt-9980972.html) reported the story yesterday. It is believed that Grosjean has fallen out with the team and they have failed to reach a deal to renew his contract for next season. Therefore, it’s likely he will leave the Enstone outfit after racing in Formula One with them since 2009.

This departure could lead to Grosjean securing a seat with Hass F1 next season who are looking for an experienced driver.

However, many other drivers have been linked with the seat such as both Ferrari reserve drivers and Kevin Magnussen.

Despite originally being dubbed to leave the Renault-Lotus team it now seems the Venezuelan will be racing with the team for 2016. Maldonado has been racing for the Lotus team since 2014 scoring in just 3 races and has been convincingly beaten in qualifying by Grosjean.

This is all to be officially confirmed and if true it remains unclear who will partner Maldonado at Renault for 2016. The likes of Sergio Perez and Stoffel Vandoorne have been linked with Nico Hulkenberg now being officially ruled out.

It seems that the 2016 F1 driver market might not be as simple and predictable as first thought.