Alain Prost: Renault didn't want "pessimistic" Nico Hulkenberg for 2020
F1 News
Renault's Alain Prost has labeled Nico Hulkenberg a "pessimistic driver" and has hinted that the German is not as motivated as Esteban Ocon will be. Hulkenberg is being replaced for next season but Renault are expecting another tough year in 2020 before things start getting better in 2021.
"We'll have a hard enough time at Renault next year, so it was important to appoint a motivated driver for next season," Prost was quoted by GPToday.net.
"We don't want to have any pessimistic drivers in our team and that's why we chose Ocon, who is very motivated after a year on the side of the road.
"Nico is pretty negative, but he's also right on certain points. However, we have to look ahead and then we can't use the negativity of a driver. Especially since next year will be a very difficult season for us."
Renault have not performed how they would have wanted to so far this season and are expecting another tough season in 2020.
"I can be honest, we're going to focus on 2021," Prost said. "As a result, next season will be a mediocre to perhaps even bad season for us.
"Because of the new rules coming up for 2021, it makes no sense for us to develop much more for 2020. We are going to make a lot of changes and hope to perform at a high level in 2021."
Renault will hope that the 2021 rule changes suit them and that they can back to the top of Formula 1.