[NeilP]

I think it all started falling like Dominoes. Once Hamilton and Bottas resigned with Mercedes that closed the door on Ricciardo moving. He is now basically stuck with Red Bull. That in turn closed the door on a possible Sainz to Red Bull opportunity.

The relationship between Renault and Red Bull is not a good one (shock) so Sainz's future is up in the air. Red Bull have not said they will release him and Renault cannot sign him for next season until they do so. Renault do not want to wait and see in case it screws up other opportunities for them. Jody is correct in saying that Ocon was once affiliated with Renault, he is French is quite possibly (but who knows contractually) available and would be a great signing.

That leaves very few opportunities for Sainz with so many other doors closed McLarens is one that is as they say wide open! If Alonso does stay there is also the friendship between the two of them to take into consideration. Brown has already stated he has no problem with two drivers of the same nationality in the team.