[NeilP]

I think Renault will take the Mercedes (early season) approach to Hulkenberg and Ricciardo and treat them both as equals. The number 1 and 2 driver only really comes into play when the team or the driver are seriously challenging for a WDC or Constructors title (No crash risks) and clearly Renault have a ways to go as yet. I wonder whether they will be able to mount a challenge to Red Bull (I do not see them catching Mercedes or Ferrari) before all changes in 2021.

I do feel somewhat sorry for Nico, we will never get to see what he could have done in a top car. Personally I think he would have a been a great fit at Ferrari as their number 2 driver (unless he could have proven otherwise when he got there) sadly he seems destined to join the ranks of drivers in the 'what could have been' column.

As for Danny, I think this was as much about getting away from Red Bull as much as anything. Personal opinion again but I do think the team disrespected him either directly or indirectly with the way they have mollycoddled Verstappen. Time will tell if that was the right thing to do. I still have hopes come 2021 Danny can get into either a Mercedes or a Ferrari because this guy is good for the sport of F1