Renault reportedly opens talks with Bottas for 2021

Renault have reportedly opened talks with Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas as they are seeking a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo for 2021. Last week it has been announced, that Sebastian Vettel will depart Ferrari at the end of the year. Carlos Sainz will join Ferrari, while Daniel Ricciardo will replace Sainz at McLaren. While Vettel and Fernando Alonso have both been cited as potential candidates for the Renault drive another name has allegedly been written down. According to Germany's Motorsport-Total, Abiteboul has held talks with Bottas' manager Didier Coton to sound out the Finn on his prospects for 2021. Wolff has taken note of Vettel's sudden availability for 2021 but the Austrian made clear that Mercedes' priority regarding the future is either a status quo or a move of George Russell or Esteban Ocon. "We have to stay true to our line," said Wolff. "Loyalty is something incredibly important, part of our values. We are loyal to our current drivers and do not want to negotiate at a time when the season has not even started." Source: GPToday

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