Renault junior Christian Lundgaard believes he has chance of racing in F1 next season with the French outfit, but only if Daniel Ricciardo departs the French squad.
Ricciardo's contract with Renault will expire at the end of this year, and while both his team and himself have expressed their desire to continue their partnership, the Aussie is being linked to Ferrari for 2021 by F1's rumor mill.
But a move to the House of Maranello by Ricciardo would only become plausible if Sebastian Vettel vacated his seat at the Scuderia. If such a scenario comes to pass, it could possibly open a door for Lundgaard.
"It’s not in my hands and maybe not in Renault’s either, I think they are waiting for what Ricciardo does, but him leaving the team could be my chance," the 18-year-old Dane told BT Newspaper.
However, Lundgaard - who finished sixth in last year's FIA Formula 3 Championship - might need to rein in his hopes of stepping up to the big time as soon as next season.
This year's shortened campaign, or perhaps the absence of motorsport activity altogether in 2020, is robbing young drivers of opportunities to shine, this reducing their chances of climbing to the next level.
"It’s hard to answer if I’m ready for Formula 1 in 2021," Lundgaard admitted.
"I’ve only done a single Formula 2 race, and no one knows when the 2020 season will start again.
"Renault expects me to be ready if the opportunity presents itself. Fortunately, I am quick to learn and good at adapting to new surroundings."
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