Renault boss says driver nationality not important in 2017 selection
Monday 5 September 2016 09:05, UK
Jolyon Palmer is still in contention for a seat at Renault in 2017 despite not yet scoring any points this season, according to team principal Frederic Vasseur.
The British driver, competing in his debut F1 season at the age of 25, has narrowly missed out on a couple of top-10 finishes, while his team-mate Kevin Magnussen has claimed six points so far.
"Jo is doing a good job and is improving compared to the first events," Vasseur told Sky Sports News HQ. "He is on a good way and he is delivering the results expected so far.
"He was quite close to scoring points in Budapest and we can expect a result for the second part of the season."
Vasseur also insisted that Palmer's nationality would not be a factor in deciding the line-up for the French team next season.
"It doesn't matter [that he's not French]," he said. "We have to build up the team on the results not on the nationality of the drivers.
"The relationship with Jo is a good one. For sure, he was connected with the team before we took over the company but the decision is much more based on the result not the nationality or something else."
Vasseur was also coy when asked whether Renault was making serious attempts to lure Sergio Perez from Force India for next season.
"My job is to have a look at everybody in the paddock," he said. "I think everybody has a look at everybody.
"This is the game and probably the situation will be much clearer by the end of September, including us."
In addition to Palmer, Magnussen and Perez, Renault tester turned Manor race driver Esteban Ocon is thought to be in contention for a seat at the Enstone team next season.
