Renault have no influence in deciding Daniel Ricciardo’s future but talks so far are “very positive” advisor Alain Prost says.
After a disappointing first year at the French manufacturer in 2019, the Australian’s future is once again with speculation linking Ricciardo to Ferrari should Sebastian Vettel leave.
Since the turn of the year, Renault has also been pessimistic about their chances of keeping the 30-year-old and the four-time Formula 1 champion explained why.
“Daniel has a contract until the end of 2020, so he is free [to leave],” Prost was quoted as telling Canal Plus. “We don’t have the cards in our hands. We don’t have an option.”
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Even so, Ricciardo has mentioned several times of his desire to see the bold move he made from Red Bull after 2018 pay off, and Prost does feel that vibe.
“With us, things are very open, and in any case what is certain is that in a certain way Daniel wants to continue,” he said.
“He made – not a bet – but let’s say a plan to be successful with Renault and for the moment we are talking in a very positive way.”
As one of the older drivers now on the grid, there is a feeling that Ricciardo’s time is passing him by to achieve his goal of becoming world champion.
Speaking about his future recently, he even didn’t rule out the idea of returning to Red Bull, though that is unlikely for now in Prost’s view.
“Max Verstappen is completely anchored at Red Bull so I don’t see Daniel going there,” he noted.
Still, Renault has been touting their Academy and in particular Christian Lundgaard as who they would look to if Ricciardo did leave.
Due to the lack of racing right now due to the coronavirus, however, Prost believes looking to youngsters would be risky.
“We don’t even know what’s going to happen for Formula 2 or Formula 3 or Formula Renault, where there are a lot of drivers in the sector and they can’t drive,” he explained.
“So if they don’t race, then you can’t see them – you can’t judge them.
“It is valid for everyone and so the trend in the teams is a little more on the side of status quo.”