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

Grégory Demoen

Recent Posts

Perez says Vegas qualifying bust rooted in ‘fundamental issue’

The neon-lit grandeur of the Las Vegas Strip offered no solace to Sergio Perez, as…

4 hours ago

Las Vegas Speed Trap: Who was the fastest of them all?

Formula 1 teams set up shop in Las Vegas this week with the benefit of…

6 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Friday's action in pictures

From the outset, Mercedes has been on top form in Las Vegas, and George Russell…

7 hours ago

Hamilton says botched Q3 due to sudden ‘loss of stability’

Lewis Hamilton was left to reflect on a frustrating qualifying session under the Las Vegas…

8 hours ago

Sainz: Ferrari ready to roll the dice in Vegas to challenge McLaren

Carlos Sainz says Ferrari has thrown down the gauntlet in its battle against McLaren for…

9 hours ago

Gasly delighted with 'incredible' Vegas qualifying result

Pierre Gasly hailed an "incredible" result for Alpine in qualifying for this weekend's Las Vegas…

10 hours ago