Renault F1 Targeting Sebastian Vettel for 2021?

Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul is considering Sebastian Vettel as an option for the team beyond 2021. The Frenchman had words of praise for Vettel, who gave the French manufacturer happy memories during his time at Red Bull.

Sebastian Vettel welcome at Renault F1

Sebastian Vettel will be out of contract at the end of the season. Ferrari has revealed that German is a front runner for the vacant seat but is yet to make any announcements.

Vettel is also candid regarding his future in F1. The German has acknowledged all possibilities – including changing teams and retiring at the end of 2020.

Vettel is no stranger to Renault. The 4 times world champion was powered by the French supplier during his tenure at Red Bull.

The German’s glory years lasted 4 years when he captured consecutive World Championships, leaving Vettel with fond memories.

Abiteboul acknowledged the fear and suggested the team was open to Vettel joining them beyond 2021.

Speaking to Canal+, Abiteboul said:

“I don’t want to say no, as he is a great driver and a great champion. We worked together on the engine side and we won together,”

“[But] I rather aspire to work with tomorrow’s drivers than yesterday’s. It really is very difficult to sum it up like that, so please don’t sum it up like that about Sebastian.”

Renault jumped through a lot of hoops to sign Daniel Ricciardo in 2019. The team would be hoping to retain the Aussie’s services for the foreseeable future.

Renault has signed Esteban Ocon on a two-year deal, which will see the Frenchman at the Enstone outfit until the end of 2021. 

Renault also has a bright driver lineup in its Junior academy. The team has a plethora of young drivers waiting to rise through the ranks and make it to the big leagues.

“Still, we also have a driver academy, with drivers who might come out of it in 2021 or 2022. We need to keep this in mind, as we created this academy in 2016 with the goal of having a driver graduate to F1 in 2021.”

The French team flattered to decieve in 2019. Renault slid down the Constructors’ ladder last season, losing fourth place to McLaren.