PALMER SECURES RENAULT DEAL
The F1 driver market for 2017 closed up significantly before the Brazilian GP with a host of announcements as Force India, Haas and Renault finalised their line-ups.
Briton Jolyon Palmer will remain with Renault for its second season back as a full works outfit. Palmer will race alongside Renault’s new signing Nico Hulkenberg.
“I can’t wait to reward the team’s faith in me,” said Palmer. “Having worked at Enstone since 2015 I can fully appreciate the development of the infrastructure this year.”
Palmer’s current team-mate Kevin Magnussen will switch to Haas to link up with Romain Grosjean after saying that Renault’s offer of a new contract wasn’t good enough.
“I’ve been talking to many teams and some seem very focused on the short term, but I’m thinking more long term so Haas gave me a better offer,” said the Dane.
Force India also signed F1 rookie Esteban Ocon to partner Sergio Perez for 2017. The Frenchman has joined on a ‘multi-year deal’ to replace Renault-bound Hulkenberg.
“Esteban is an exceptional talent and we’ve had our eyes on him for a number of years through the junior categories,” said team head Vijay Mallya. “He is more than capable alongside Sergio.”
Ocon is also a Mercedes junior driver, which fits with the team’s engine supply deal.
The moves mean that only Manor has open seats for 2017.