According to French publication Auto Hebdo, Renault could keep the Lotus moniker in 2016 as the constructor inches ever closer to buying out the Enstone-based squad.
Renault signed and issued a Letter of Intent signalling a Lotus takeover in late September, but negotiations have been dragging on ever since. Deputy team principal Federico Gastaldi even revealed that the deal could be delayed until December in the wake of a long acquisition process.
However, Auto Hebdo reports that Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn should finally give the green light to the agreement this week with an official announcement expected soon afterwards.
With 2016 set to be a transitional year, Renault could elect to keep the Lotus name for next year. The rationale behind such decision would be to avoid tarnishing the French manufacturer’s image in case the new outfit proves to be uncompetitive.
No matter which designation the squad eventually goes by, its driver line-up will consist of Pastor Maldonado and Jolyon Palmer.
Mexican Grand Prix - Driver ratings
Use the red tabs on either side of the screen to scroll through more Formula One news and features
Click here for the F1 drivers' girlfriends gallery
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix was barely a few corners old before the black-and-white Cadillacs…
The 2026 Formula 1 season has touched down with the subtlety of a localized earthquake,…
Lando Norris was denied the chance to race in Shanghai, but the reigning world champion…
Bring out your green, for it's St. Patrick's Day, which is the perfect excuse for…
Once a Mercedes driver, always a Mercedes driver – and apparently always welcome aboard Toto…
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly walked away from last weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix with a smile –…