Share

Will Hulkenberg switch to Renault?

France - Rumours are continuing to swirl about the potential look of Renault's 2017 driver lineup.

Multiple authoritative sources are reporting that Nico Hulkenberg looks set to escape his Force India contract and sign a three-year deal to lead the French works team from the cockpit.

New drivers for 2017

It is believed that Renault team boss Frederic Vasseur's favoured choice to be the German's team mate is Frenchman Esteban Ocon.

But there are signs of a power struggle at Renault, with Vasseur and Cyril Abiteboul apparently at loggerheads.

READ: Nico Hulkenberg 'surprised' about Renault switch

If Abiteboul wrestles control of the Enstone team, a 'handshake' deal between Vasseur and Toto Wolff over Ocon's Renault link could collapse.

The uncertainty would seem to explain why many drivers are still not confirmed at their respective teams now deep into October, including Williams' Finn Valtteri Bottas and Toro Rosso's Russian Daniil Kvyat.

Vasseur told the French broadcaster Canal Plus: "If all the drivers who are linked with us joined, we would be a football team rather than a Formula 1 team.

"Hulkenberg is one of two or three possibilities, but nothing is finished yet."

According to the paddock grapevine, Hulkenberg and Ocon is the most likely 2017 Renault lineup.

WATCH: What an F1 driver sees during a race

Vasseur admitted: "A German and a Frenchman, that sounds fine. But a German with a Russian or a Finn would also be interesting.  There are many possible combinations."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()