Lundgaard's chance at Ricciardo's chair? "I know what's gonna happen"

With the departure of Daniel Ricciardo to McLaren, a spot has become vacant at Renault. A spot that could be taken by one of their juniors, but that is unlikely in the short term, Renault Sport Academy driver Christian Lundgaard also realises.

The 18-year old Dane did very well last year in Formula 3 and would make his debut this season in Formula 2 for ART Grand Prix. The team with which Nyck de Vries became champion last year. So Lundgaard is at the gate of Formula 1, but will probably have to wait a while.

In the first place he will have to wait for Renault's decision to replace Ricciardo. Team boss Cyril Abiteboul has already indicated that he will take his time. It seems that Fernando Alonso has the best papers for the seat, but Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas are also mentioned.

All very experienced F1 drivers. So what are the prospects for a young talent like Lundgaard? For Jack Aitken, Renault's junior policy was reason to go to Williams, but the young Dane still believes in his chances.

"You have to make sure your ego doesn't become too big, but I know what I can do," says Lundgaard in conversation with the Danish public broadcaster DR. "I know what will happen if I show that. If I can do that, it's just a matter of time that I reach Formula 1".

He can in any case count on the support of Mia Sharizman, director of the Renault junior programme. "The reason he's in the academy is because our goal is to reach Formula 1 with him."