Renault junior Christian Lundgaard is keeping a watchful eye on Daniel Ricciardo’s seat for 2021.
The Australian is out of contract at the Enstone-based outfit after this year and team boss Cyril Abiteboul has admitted a desire to promote an Academy driver into Formula 1 for next year.
And while Lundgaard faces competition in F2 from fellow Renault stablemate Guanyu Zhou, he does see his ultimate ambition in view.
“It’s not in my hands and maybe not in Renault’s either, I think they are waiting for what Ricciardo does, but him leaving the team could be my chance,” he told Denmark’s BT newspaper.
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On experience, Zhou would actually be ahead of Lundgaard as the Chinese driver has already completed a full season in F2, while the 18-year-old only debuted last year in Abu Dhabi.
And with no racing so far this year, the Dane does admit it makes judging his readiness for F1.
“It’s hard to answer if I’m ready for Formula 1 in 2021. I’ve only done a single Formula 2 race, and no one knows when the 2020 season will start again,” he added.
“Renault expects me to be ready if the opportunity presents itself. Fortunately, I am quick to learn and good at adapting to new surroundings.”
In the meantime, Lundgaard has been impressing virtually, racing for Renault in the Virtual GP on the F1 2019 game.