Formula 1: Way-too-early 2020 Silly Season driver lineup prediction

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SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JUNE 30: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia driving the (3) Renault Sport Formula One Team RS19 and Carlos Sainz of Spain driving the (55) McLaren F1 Team MCL34 Renault (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images) /

McLaren

#55. . No. 55. McLaren, Renault. CARLOS SAINZ JR.

Carlos Sainz Jr. signed a multi-year contract with McLaren ahead of the 2019 season, and given the fact that he is the current “best of the rest” driver in seventh place in the driver standings behind the six Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing drivers as well as the fact that McLaren have had their best season in several years, he had no reason to get out of that deal even before McLaren recently confirmed him for the 2020 season. (no change)

No. 4. McLaren, Renault. LANDO NORRIS. #4.

Lando Norris also signed a multi-year contract with McLaren ahead of the 2019 season, and he trails only Sainz Jr. for the unofficial “best of the rest” title in the driver standings. McLaren have previously blocked moves that would have sent the 19-year-old Briton elsewhere, and he is set to return the Woking-based team next year after signing a contract to remain there through the 2022 season. (no change)

Renault

DANIEL RICCIARDO. #3. . No. 3. Renault, Renault

Daniel Ricciardo is under contract with Renault through the 2020 season, and after he gave up his ride at Red Bull Racing to join the French manufacturer, there is no reason to believe that he will walk away after just the first season. (no change)

No. 27. Renault Sport, Renault. NICO HULKENBERG. #27.

Nico Hulkenberg is in a contract year driving for Renault, but his performance over the last few seasons should be enough to warrant a contract extension. Team managing director Cyril Abiteboul seemed optimistic about retaining the 32-year-old German for the 2020 season. (no change)

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