Permane: "These four drivers are on a different level"

Although the entire grid is bursting with racing talent, according to Alan Parmane of Renault, it is possible to distinguish between four top drivers and the rest, he argues in the Beyond the Grid podcast.

First of all, Permane, who is Renault's sporting director, mentions the name of Daniel Ricciardo, with whom he has worked closely since Ricciardo's transfer to the team. 

Permane continues his analysis: "There aren't many of this class on the current grid. And of course I only speak of what I see, and I have seen more of Daniel. But you have him, and then Hamilton, Leclerc, and Verstappen. Those four are on a different level." 

According to Permanent, these drivers are operating at a noticeably higher level than the rest of the grid.

Ricciardo can always come back

Aware of Ricciardo's class, Permane also jokes that the Australian may change his mind about his exit at Renault at any time. Ricciardo is set to make the switch to Mclaren next year.