F1: Renault keeping quiet over Esteban Ocon-Nico Hulkenberg rumours

Renault lips are sealed

It’s been widely reported that Esteban Ocon is set to replace Nico Hulkenberg at Renault next season, but the French Formula 1 team is refusing to comment on the speculation.

Last week German publication Auto Bild broke the story that Ocon will leave Mercedes to partner Daniel Ricciardo in 2020.

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Then on Monday French magazine Auto Hebdo published its latest issue with Ocon on the cover wearing Renault overalls.

With F1 returning this weekend after the summer break, GPBlog.com reports that Renault are being “bombarded with questions about Ocon and the possible announcement that the team will make next weekend”. But for now their lips are sealed.

Meanwhile, German driver Hulkenberg uploaded a picture on Instagram of the Auto Hebdo front cover. Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s press day at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa, his caption said: “Finally a more exciting Thursday ahead.”

Fórmula F1 tweeted that this weekend in Belgium Ocon’s move to Renault and Mercedes’s new deal for Valtteri Bottas will be confirmed.

Hulk clause delays deal

While Ocon’s move is set to go through, GPFans.com says the deal had been delayed by Renault’s “desire to see Hulkenberg secure another F1 drive before releasing him from his contract”.

Hulkenberg has been linked with a move to Haas as a replacement for Romain Grosjean. There are also reports claiming he could get a drive at Williams should Robert Kubica leave the struggling team.

However, Fórmula F1 says Hulkenberg to Haas could be announced at the Italian Grand Prix, which will be held at Monza from 6-8 September.

Spanish GP confirmed for 2020

Formula 1 has confirmed that the Spanish Grand Prix will continue to be part of the FIA F1 World Championship calendar in 2020 after an agreement was signed with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Chase Carey, F1 chairman and CEO, said: “The decision to continue to stage a round of the pinnacle of motor sport in Spain, a country with a great motor racing tradition, dating back to the start of the last century, is part of our strategy of maintaining Formula 1’s European roots, while also currently expanding the championship into new territories.”