Oct.22 (GMM) Renault drivers Kevin Magnussen and Jolyon Palmer are now clinging onto their F1 careers.
According to paddock rumours, British rookie Palmer has already been told by team management that he will not be needed beyond next month’s Abu Dhabi finale.
He said in Austin that he thinks Renault do not “appreciate” his and Magnussen’s contribution in an uncompetitive car this year.
“I think they appreciated the drive in Suzuka, but do they appreciate everything we have done? I am not sure,” Palmer is quoted by the Telegraph.
It is believed Esteban Ocon is in the running to be Nico Hulkenberg’s 2017 teammate, but the Frenchman is backed by Mercedes and therefore also a contender for Force India and Manor.
And Speed Week quotes Williams’ Valtteri Bottas as saying that “At the moment I am not negotiating with Renault”.
That could mean Dane Magnussen is still an outside chance of keeping his seat.
“I would really like to be Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate,” Magnussen told the Danish newspaper BT in Austin.
“It has been difficult this year against Jolyon Palmer,” he said. “He is a good and quick driver, but some people don’t see him like that and it’s his first season in formula one too.
“So it is seen as the way it should be if I am faster than him, and a disaster if he is faster than me,” Magnussen added.