Renault Formula 1 boss Cyril Abiteboul has challenged its junior drivers to compete for single-seater titles in 2020.
Renault revived its young driver programme in 2016 but the youngsters on its scheme have yet to take a title in the second or tertiary division.
That is in contrast to Ferrari (Charles Leclerc, Robert Shwartzman), Mercedes (George Russell), McLaren (Lando Norris) and Red Bull (Pierre Gasly), whose juniors have all won leading single-seater titles in that period.
Current members Christian Lundgaard and Max Fewtrell have claimed titles in Formula 4 and Eurocup respectively while the late Anthoine Hubert took the final GP3 title as Renault affiliate in 2018, before becoming a full member.
Lundgaard will graduate to Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix this year and will join 2019’s top rookie Guan Yu Zhou (UNI-Virtuosi) on the grid, while Fewtrell will stay in Formula 3, moving to Hitech.
Oscar Piastri will also compete in Formula 3, linking up with 2019 pace-setters Prema, while Caio Collet and Hadrien David will race in Eurocup.
“Our Academy continues to grow in strength each year and last year was no exception, with nine wins across three different championships,” said Abiteboul.
“We now want the Academy to take this to the next level, and target championship wins in 2020.
“The Academy was first set up in 2016 with the long-term objective of progressing a driver from the RSA to a seat with the Formula 1 team, and with the talent we have in the Academy we are still confident of achieving this. The ability within the Academy is there for all to see.
“For 2020, we’re excited to welcome back four of the drivers from last year in Zhou, Christian, Max and Caio and we’re pleased to also welcome two new drivers to the Academy in Oscar and Hadrien.
“We will be doing everything possible to help our drivers progress, fulfil their potential and enjoy success.”
Renault currently has only Esteban Ocon under contract for the 2021 season.
