MX23RW : Wednesday, August 8 04:56:21

Cyril Abiteboul admits Renault could sign Esteban Ocon

Cyril Abiteboul admits that Renault could swap Carlos Sainz for Esteban Ocon in 2019.

Cyril Abiteboul has admitted that Renault could swap Carlos Sainz for Esteban Ocon in 2019.

The French team has been saying all year that it is happy with Sainz, who is 'on loan' for a year from Red Bull, and boss Abiteboul said that keeping the Spaniard is "an option".

"I agree that we have great drivers, but of course we want to move forward. We need to analyse what is happening now and what we will need in the future," he said.

Sainz is linked with a move to McLaren, while Abiteboul says that Renault has "several options" for the cockpit alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

"One or two years ago our team was not very attractive, but now everyone sees our progress," he said. "So we have become a very interesting option for drivers."

Frenchman Ocon is believed to be at the top of his list - his nationality would fit perfectly, but he is currently a Mercedes driver and placed at Force India.

"If he has an opportunity to be successful at another team or constructor, we wouldn't want to stand in the way," Mercedes's Toto Wolff said in Hungary.

Abiteboul commented: "There are rumours about one of the drivers at Force India, or more precisely, the French driver at Force India. I do not deny that the option exists and it is very attractive.

"But he is no less interesting than other options, for example continuing to work with Carlos. We will see."

"Regardless of Red Bull, we must decide what is best for us. Carlos does his job well and he could remain on the team, but we will not make a decision for a few days."

The calendar resumes with the Belgian Grand Prix on August 26.

Share this article now:
Spanish GP 2014
Read Next:
Ocon could switch to Renault in 2019
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account