Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul says it would be “difficult” to see Nico Hulkenberg lose his place on the grid for th♑e 2020 season, believing there is “unfinished business” for the German driver in ✤F1.

Hulkenberg lost his drive with Renault for next year after the🌃 team opted to sign Esteban Ocon as Daniel Ricciardo’s teammate on a multi-year dea✱l.

Hulkenberg is running low on options to remain on the grid for next year after Haas opted to re-sign Ro𓆉main Grosjean, leaving Alfa Romeo and Williams as his only viable landing spots.

Abiteboul conceded there would be som♔e misgivings for Renault if its decision to axe Hulkenberg ultimately led to his departure from F1.

“It would be difficult. I think I’ve said it on a number oꦇf occasions, we feel Nico has been a pillar in th꧙e team’s construction,” Abiteboul said.

“He’s obviously also a great driver. He’s a huge professional outside of the track𝄹, has got huge experience.

“For me, whether it’s between R🦂enault and Nico, or Formula 1 and Nico, it will be u🌜nfinished business.

“So, I can’t do anything, but [I’m] real🌳ly hoping he will find a way forward, but it’s a bit out of ℱour hands now.”

Abiteboul’s tho🍒ughts were echoed by Red Bull chief Christian Horner, who, despite ruling Hulkenber𝓰g out of contention for a seat with the team for 2020, was hopeful he would land somewhere.

“He’s a great driver and it would be a great shame not to see ꦍhim continue in Formula 1 next year,” Horner said.

“He’s a professional 🏅driver that arguably hasn’t achieved his potential in Formula 1, and I very much hope for him that he does find a seat.

“Because he’s better than some other drivers 𒐪that are on the grid and 🦄he should be in Formula 1.”