Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul revealed when the team would decide on Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement for 2021. Abiteboul disclosed that Renault would need to take its time in making a decision on the vacant seat following Ricciardo’s exit. Renault is currently in the midst of a financial crunch with several rumors suggesting the French team could leave F1 for good.
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Renault playing the waiting game
With Daniel Ricciardo leaving, Renault has a big problem in finding a suitable replacement. The Enstone outfit hailed Ricciardo as Renault’s future and the man who would bring glory back to Enstone. However, the honey badger is jumping to McLaren next season. Now, Renault needs a driver who can match Ricciardo’s skills and lead the team.
According to several rumors, Renault is in talks with Fernando Alonso and Valtteri Bottas. While Abiteboul didn’t mention any names, he maintained that Renault wouldn’t make a choice until after the season begins. A logical choice, as the team needs to sort its finances before making any hasty decisions.
Signing a big-name driver or the wrong driver without getting a clear sense of direction would lead to many problems. Speaking to Motorsport.com, Abiteboul said:
“Typically the competitiveness of the car is a representation of the competitiveness of the team and the new people that we have. Therefore the priorities of where we want to put our money is an indication that I want to have before I rush any decision.”
“Our position is more a position about taking the time to be properly informed,”
“to make sure that we make the right decision because probably the next decision on drivers will be an important one”
Abiteboul hinted` the team’s next driver sticking with Renault for at least two seasons.
“and most probably the driver who will join us for 2021 will stay for 2022”
“Our ambitions have not changed and we need to make sure to have the right drivers.”
“We want to take the time to make sure we make the right decision. I think that there has been the first sort of domino of drivers. I expect that there may be another one, but not before a number of months”
“So we think of ourselves as part of this second movement and nothing in between.”
