F1 | young grid in 2017. Sainz towards Renault?

Next season could bring many changes on the starting grid of a Formula 1 grand prix. At Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull the crews have been validated, but in the remaining part of the grid there could be some changes.

As we know, during the Italian grand prix weekend, Felipe Massa (born in 1981) announced his retirement from races. At Williams, alongside Finnish driver Bottas it could arrive Canadian driver Lance Stroll, former FDA winner of the Italian Formula 4 championship, and current leader in the FIA F3 European.

At McLaren, Stoffel Vandoorne (born in 1992) has already been announced beside Fernado Alonso with Jenson Button (born in 1980) as a third and test driver for the English team.

In June, Red Bull renewed its agreement with the Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. that could be lent to Renault. From next year, Toro Rosso abandons Ferrari engines to embrace again the French power-unit. Thus, the Spaniard could be part of this operation, since the constructor is working to rebuilt its 2017 team. So far, Magnussen and Palmer have not persuaded the top brass (due also to a car little performing).

Among the drivers currently under agreement with Renault there is also Esteban Ocon born in 1996, who from the Spa-Francorchamps appointment wears Manor colors alongside Pascal Wehrlein (driver born in 1994 and now under agreement with Mercedes). The French driver, winner of two titles in as many seasons (2014-FIA F3 European and 2015-GP3 Series) could be placed side by side with Sainz Jr (third F1 season in 2017).

It could be promoted into Toro Rosso, the French driver Pierre Gasly born in 1996 and current GP2 Series leader, ahead our standard bearers Antonio Giovinazzi and Raffaele Marciello who surely deserve a chance. Daniil Kvyat, after being substituted by Max Verstappen in Red Bull, is looking for confirmations. In Singapore, in the duel with the Dutch driver, he proved to be an excellent driver.

At Force India, team principal Vijay Mallya has confirmed both the drivers, but Sergio Perez leaves an open door. Claire Williams praised the Mexican driver who declared to be gratified in an interview released to the official website of the world championship, yet he is looking at Renault.

After the success in the Monza GP, Antonio Giovinazzi was called by Ferrari for a test day at the simulator. Sauber could open its door for him next to Swedish driver Eriksson.