Renault F1 Boss Admits he’s “Disappointed“ in Daniel Ricciardo
Follow Us
Earlier in May, Sebastian Vettel dropped a bombshell that he and Ferrari were parting after the 2020 season. This triggered a massive shift in the driver market, with Carlos Sainz jumping from McLaren. Meanwhile’s Sainz’ vacated seat will be taken over by Daniel Ricciardo, a move that current employers, Renault, did not appreciate.
Team principal Cyril Abiteboul expressed his ‘disappointment’ at Ricciardo’s departure. Especially before witnessing how far Renault has progressed since he joined in 2019. However, he tried to justify the move when he suggested that McLaren and Ferrari’s desperation to sort their driver line-ups forced the Australian’s hand.
“First it’s important to remember that we have one year, one season to do together, and we expect more out of that season than from last season, that is for sure,” said Abiteboul.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’m a bit disappointed because I don’t think that you can build anything without stability. That goes for drivers, but frankly that’s also true for the rest of the organisation.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What is different about Renault this time?
According to the team, at least 70% of the staff has witnessed a change of management in their respective departments. In fact, it all took place in the last 12 months. So, Abiteboul would have loved to see their efforts pay off before worrying about the driver situation.
He continued, “I’m a bit surprised about the activism of two particular F1 teams, who have pushed Daniel to sort of rush the decision. We decided not to bend over this timing and to stick to our plan. Our plan and our priority is to make a better car.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Daniel Ricciardo To Be Replaced by Liam Lawson After Miami, F1 Pundit Dishes Out Harsh Verdict After Australian’s “Amateur Mistake”
April 17, 2024 11:14 AM EDT
Adrian Newey Hits Out at Climate Activist Lewis Hamilton’s Fuel Protest, Desperate to See V10 Engines Again
April 15, 2024 12:35 PM EDT
“I Was Quite Depressed”: Adrian Newey Makes Brutal Revelation as He Reveals Red Bull Heavily “Struggling”
April 15, 2024 02:38 PM EDT
Charles Leclerc: “I’ve Been Suffering More Than [Carlos] Sainz Has”
April 18, 2024 12:13 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Carlos Sainz Offered 2-Year Deal for Mercedes by Toto Wolff
April 12, 2024 12:16 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
He lamented that if Renault had a better car, they have the ability to entice any driver in the future. For the moment, that is the team’s number one priority.
Abiteboul concluded, “The new regulation, the new deal [rules], have been our priority. Securing the future of F1 has been our priority. He’s made his decision, we’re moving on.”
Written by:
