F1 News
Daniel Ricciardo and Renault “haven’t had any discussion” of contract beyond 2020
- Bevan Youl
Daniel Ricciardo has said that he hasn’t “had any discussion” with Renault about the possibility of a contract beyond the end of this year, hoping that the French manufacturer has a good season, wanting to stay beyond his current deal.
Ricciardo up and left Aston Martin Red Bull Racing at the end of 2018 for a new challenge with Renault who only returned as a team in 2016.
But with the recent announcements of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and other drivers signing long-term deals the 2021 grid is starting to take shape.
But the Australian is yet to discover where he will be driving, not down to any particular reason, only that the discussion with Renault is yet to happen.
“I haven’t (got a contract for 2021) and that’s not anything personal, it’s just we haven’t had any discussion about beyond 2020 yet,” he told Australia’s Sunday Times.
“It’s still early days. I would love for 2020 to work out and I stay, that’s the easiest and happiest scenario, I wish for that.”
After Leclerc agreed to stay with Ferrari until 2024 there is still one seat potentially available from the end of this year after Sebastian Vettel’s contract comes to an end.
Ricciardo says it is nice to be “in the mix” of names linked to a seat at the Scuderia but feels that link will always be there because of his Italian roots.
“I guess it’s probably always going to be there. They always linked me to that, with my Italian roots,” he added.
“But it’s nice to be talked about and still relevant and kind of in the mix as far as names getting thrown around.”
The 30-year old will partner Esteban Ocon at Renault for 2020, who is contracted until the end of 2021.