German publications are reporting that Nico Hulkenberg has signed an €18-million, two year deal to join Renault starting in 2017 with an option for 2019.
Renault are now targeting Valtteri Bottas to partner Hulkenberg, as they seek to ditch their current drivers – Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer – with Magnussen now being linked to Force India, despite no bringing much in terms of sponsorship to the team.
Bottas is reportedly trying to negotiate a one year deal with existing employers, Williams, and in negotiations with Renault as the Finn has his eye on Kimi Raikkonen’s seat at Ferrari in 2018.
Should Bottas remain at Williams, which is appearing increasingly likely, then Renault would look at a Frenchman to fill the seat and here is where Pierre Gasly and Jean Eric Vergne enter the picture.
Renault’s option on Magnussen is set to run out, which may result in the Dane departing the team for alternative pastures.
GMM report that Magnussen admitted, “I’m really bad at the political game,” said the 24-year-old, who also lost his McLaren seat after one season after making his grand prix debut in 2014.
“I’m a racing driver, not a politician, so I don’t try to go out and get voters on my side. I’m here to race and drive fast, which is what I enjoy and what I feel I’m good at.”
At the same time he questions his career choice, “Every time I leave my family I think ‘Is it worth it?’ It’s hard to be away so much.
“But when you are not winning, and things are not going as you would like, as is the case right now, you have those thoughts more often. But if one day I stand at the top of the podium, I will know it was all worth it,” he said.
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
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