Lewis Hamilton approach discussed by rival team boss: ‘We need to be sensible’

Hamilton had been due to see his deal expire at the end of this season but the team announced a contract extension on Thursday which is reportedly worth as much as £80million over the next two years.

The Brit, who has been in talks with Mercedes for the last six months, claims signing the contract was a “formality” but also revealed that he received one other offer but he “didn’t give it any air”.

Along with Ferrari, Renault were one of those teams mooted as potential suitors for Hamilton.

They are currently fourth in the F1 World Drivers’ Championship, 19 points clear of Haas but a mammoth 129 adrift of Red Bull in third, but have aspirations of returning to the top echelons of the grid in the coming years.

However, team boss Abiteboul ruled out a move for Hamilton.

“We’ve not made an approach to Lewis not because we don’t rate him but because we need to be sensible about what has to be the focus for the time being,” Abiteboul told Sky Sports.

“We must improve the car and that’s where the focus has to be.

“And we need a driver that can also bring the stability and drive the next charge – but it is not us who made the approach.”

Renault’s driver line-up for next year remains unclear with the future of Red Bull loanee Carlos Sainz as yet unresolved.

Hamilton’s new contract has ruled out much movement at the top teams but a report today from The Times claims Esteban Ocon will join Renault next year to replace Sainz with Lance Stroll moving to Force India in Ocon’s place.

However, Abiteboul would rather keep Sainz where he is after finishing in the points in all bar three of his races so far this season – even if there are a number of options still open to him.

“We like Carlos. We enjoy this season with him,” Abiteboul added.

“He’s performing very well. We must make a decision very shortly.

“He’s currently held back by his contractual situation [with Red Bull]. We can’t afford risking having a driver line-up that is not up to our standards next year.

“In F1 you need plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D, plan E and plan F.

“That’s my duty to make sure we have a number of options. That’s what we will be discussing intensely over the next couple of days.

“There are number of plans. The good thing is everyone sees that we are on the way up.

“Drivers are asking themselves if we are the next cycle in F1.

“We remember that when Lewis joined Mercedes, they were only P5 in the championship.”