Who can succeed Ricciardo at Renault?

Sebastian Vettel

Esteban Ocon is fixed at Renault until 2021, but due to Ricciardo's departure a spot becomes vacant at the French formation. One of the contenders is of course Sebastian Vettel. The German announced yesterday that he will no longer compete for Ferrari after the 2020 season. But does the four-time world champion want to join a subtopper like Renault? The chance seems very small. Vettel seems to have set his sights on a seat at Mercedes.

Fernando Alonso

Alonso has ridden with Renault twice before, the team with which he became world champion in 2005 and 2006. Of course today's Renault looks very different from the 2009 Renault, when he last competed for the team. The question is of course also whether Renault wants to put a 39 year old driver in the car, while there is enough talent driving around in their own breeding pond.

Guanyu Zhou

Speaking of that talent: Guanyu Zhou. Zhou made a name for himself last year at UNI-Viruosi in Formula 2. He took one pole position and was on the podium five times. In a strong second season of Formula 2, he could become the first Chinese Formula 1 driver ever.

Christian Lundgaard

In addition to Zhou, Christian Lundgaard will also drive for the Renault Academy in Formula 2 in 2020. The young Dane is coming over from Formula 3 this season and would have to take big steps to qualify for a super license. He will have to finish in the top 4.

Valtteri Bottas

Whoever is also liable on the seat next to Ocon is Valtteri Bottas. As mentioned before, Vettel seems to prey on his seat at Mercedes. Also George Russell still seems to be in competition for the seat next to Lewis Hamilton. When one of these two grabs the second Mercedes seat, Bottas has to look for a new team. Renault would be a step backwards, but Bottas seems far from ready in Formula 1.

Full French formation

A fully French formation is also still an option for Renault. Pierre Gasly has a contract until 2020 and doesn't seem to be promoted again to Red Bull Racing. If this doesn't happen Renault seems to be a good step for the still young Frenchman. The name Romain Grosjean will certainly reappear on the rumour circuit. The Frenchman started his career at Renault and it would be a dream come true for him to drive for the team again.