Renault F1’s Poor Performance On Track Making 2017 Driver Line-up Decision Difficult

Renault’s managing director Cyril Abiteboul confessed that this year’s poor car has made it even harder for them to choose a driver line-up for 2017.

It was Kevin Magnussen himself who suggested that a decision could come after the race in Singapore, only to reveal that there had been a delay. Still, the Danish driver surely made a strong case for himself after securing the team’s second points-scoring finish of the season, despite not having any water on-board his RS16 Formula 1 race car.

“We need to be fair with the drivers that we have,” said Abiteboul during an interview with Autosport. “We know the hardware we are using is not the best, so when it comes to measuring their pace, their consistency in particular, it’s difficult.”

“We are giving them all possible chances to be properly assessed, and although it’s obvious we will factor into the equation what we know from our hardware, it is difficult.”

The team scored just 7 points all year and they were all thanks to Magnussen. In the meantime, it’s also known that Renault has courted Force India’s Sergio Perez and Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz Jr, however the latter is unlikely to be let go by Red Bull, whereas Perez is said to be frustrated with Renault and their delays.

“We need to accept we need to take a bit more time,” added Abiteboul. “We have a number of options, good options, which shows people believe in the project of Renault.”

“So we are just trying to make the best decision for the team, and in that respect we need a bit more information and intelligence than we have at the minute. If anything, the extra time we are taking in order to form a decision is not playing against our two current drivers.”

It’s also understood that Renault is monitoring the performances of Esteban Ocon, who started the season as their reserve before taking a seat in one of the Manor cars.

Asked whether or not Ocon was being considered for 2017, Abiteboul said “absolutely, and we are in a nice position as he is currently driving, so it’s extra information we receive.”