Why Renault Were Right in Parting Ways With Cyril Abiteboul
Follow Us
Since last year, Renault have been undergoing massive changes both on and off the track. Luca de Meo kicked off this chain of events when the board appointed him as the group’s last year. This chain is ending in long-serving Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul’s departure from the team.
First of all, it is important to acknowledge the contribution of the Frenchman. He spearheaded their quest to get back into Formula 1 in 2016, also playing a part in consolidating the team’s operations in France (engine) and England (headquarters in Enstone).
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Not only that, but he was also playing a major role behind the scenes in the whole rebrand. So, the board duly named him the CEO of Alpine, a position now Laurent Rossi will be taking over.
But here comes the ugly part.
F1 is a result-oriented business and they don’t make a kind reading for Mr. Abiteboul. Before their disgraceful exit in 2009 on the back of the crash gate scandal, they were a championship-contending team. Currently, they are anything but that.
Entering the sport as a works team in 2016, they had sky-high ambitions. They wished to be a title contender within five years of their comeback (2020). But during all this time, the team got more recognition for their verbal volleys with Red Bull. So, it is safe to say that they are short of the target they set for themselves.
Ricciardo’s Renault exit played a part
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
2018 was arguably Cyril’s best year with the team. Not only did he get one over Red Bull and Christian Horner by taking Daniel Ricciardo from under their noses, but they also finished fourth in the constructors’ championship.
Things were looking bright for them.
Trending
Fernando Alonso Delivers His Message to George Russell Following Ballistic Rant on Radio By the Mercedes Driver
March 24, 2024 10:17 AM EDT
“All Spanish Aston Martin Next Year”: Carlos Sainz Could Join Fernando Alonso in 2025 as Bad News Awaits Lance Stroll, Predicts Eddie Jordan
March 28, 2024 02:18 PM EDT
“You Are Disgusting”: Ex-GF Isa Hernaez’s ‘Vengeful’ Update Leaves Fans Pointing Fingers at Carlos Sainz
October 28, 2023 10:12 AM EDT
Lewis Hamilton Named Niall Horan’s Favorite Driver, as Former One Direction Star Revealed as F1 Fan
March 27, 2024 01:21 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner Plans to Seize Full Control of Red Bull Empire With Drinks & Racing; Position ‘Strengthened’ by the Stakeholders
March 28, 2024 01:08 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
But it was as high as they were going to get. Regressing back to fifth place for these last couple of seasons, Ricciardo jumped ship to McLaren as he was beginning to find his feet. This was a huge blow to the team, losing a driver of his caliber at the peak of his racing prowess. Also, the role he played in changing the dynamic was vital.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Though they brought Fernando Alonso back from his sabbatical, he is 40 and not everyone’s cup of tea, unlike Ricciardo. Hence, Renault seeing the back of Cyril is not something they will live to regret. On the bright side for him, he may no longer need to keep his tattoo bet with Ricciardo!