Renault is getting closer to announcing their driver lineup for the 2017 Formula One season according to managing director Cyril Abiteboul.
There are still several drivers in the frame for a drive with discussions and negotiations ongoing. Both Jolyon Palmer and Kevin Magnussen’s contracts up at the end of the current season and the delay from Renault could spell the end of their time at the French manufacturer.
Speaking to F1i.com, Abiteboul revealed there are numerous talks taking place but he wants decisions made or at least close to being made by the end of Septemeber.
It is understood Mercedes youngster Esteban Ocon who is currently driving for Manor is on Renault’s radar as they prepare for their second season back. Sergio Perez has also been linked with a move to Enstone but the Mexican is expected to stay at Force India for another season as he holds out for a potential Ferrari drive in 2018.
“Absolutely September is the month where this has to be clarified or at least start to take a very clear orientation,” Abiteboul said.
“We have orientation, we’ve got preferences but we keep that for ourselves for the time being.
“We’ve got a number of discussions going on, people are interested in the project, the project is a long-term project so I accept also that the drivers need to protect themselves in time.”
Indeed, Abiteboul sounded concerned at how potential drivers may be looking at the performances from Renault in 2016 when he believes they should be looking at the team’s past successes and plans for the future.
“Hopefully they don’t look at what’s going on at the track but think about what Renault has always done when they joined motorsport,” he said. “What Enstone as a team has always done also In Formula One, and also the time it takes to build a proper project.
“So I hope that the drivers we are talking to factor that into their decision, but anyway we are very keen to get that sorted out as quickly as possible.”
