F1 News

Renault are hoping to promote junior driver to seat by 2021

Renault are hoping to promote junior driver to seat by 2021

09-01-2019 18:00
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Bobby Vincent

Renault F1 team are hoping that it can promote a junior driver to a full-time Formula 1 seat by the 2021 season; believing "small steps" are currently being made.

Renault returned to being a full works team back in 2016, and have since made numerous changes to their junior structure with the idea of integrating more young drivers in the full setup.

Formula 2 driver Jack Aitken took part in the official tests last season for the French side.

Elsewhere, fellow academy drivers, Max Fewtrell and Anthoine Hubert won the Formula Renault Eurocup and GP3 Series titles respectively.

Academy director, Mia Sharizman admitted the plan is a "long-term" one and believes Renault are currently on course to achieve their target.

"As the year draws to a close, it marks the end of the third full year of the Renault Sport Academy and the end of the first of two phases of the programme," Sharizman said to The Checkered Flag.

"Reflecting on this season, it's simple to say that we all want a perfect year; something that is very unlikely. Title wins are of course the better moments for young drivers, their teams and for us a development programme. But it's not always just about winning titles, more the manner in the way they are won.

"There are certain moments in a season where you realise which drivers you want to develop further. The objective of the Academy has always been long-term: to have an Academy driver in the Formula 1 race seat by 2021.

"We're making small steps and at this stage, we are meeting our targets. Drivers are beginning to fulfil certain, prominent roles within the team and this will continue to grow."