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The Weird Renault F1 Tradition That Nobody Knew About

Published 12/03/2019, 6:27 AM EST

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Apparently, the Renault team have a strange tradition for their team members. While the outgoing Nico Hulkenberg got a guard of honour and a tribute video, the same cannot be said for another Nico in the team.

The team member in question was expected to join the Toro Rosso team in the 2020 season. So, as a bit of a goodbye gift, Nico the crew member, was slathered in oil, food and water, taped to a tyre trolley and wheeled down to Toro Rosso.

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A SATANIC RITUAL??? While in the paddock well after yesterday’s race I witnessed this bizarre sight! A man, covered in food, taped to a tyre transport trolley being wheeled out to pit lane. So what’s going on? I asked the same question and was told that it is a Renault team ritual saved for those who leave the team and go to work for a rival team In this case, Nico (surname unknown) is moving to Toro Rosso next year so the Renault boys took it upon themselves to present him to his new team in this condition. The Toro Rosso crew were equally as enthusiastic about it as they poured oil over him before he was wheeled back to Renault to presumably clean up. Download digital images at www.prostarpics.com My blogs & podcasts are at Kymillman.com/f1 And for videos see my YouTube channel. #f1 #formule1 #formel1 #formula1 #racing #motorsport #grandprix #fia #GP #photography #f1photography #formulaoneracing #formula1sport #formula1grandprix #gpf1 #renaultmotorsport

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The Renault team then took it upon themselves to present Nico to his new employers in this condition. Being good sports, the Toro Rosso crew were equally enthusiastic while they poured oil over him before he was wheeled back to Renault to presumably clean up.

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Toro Rosso are direct rivals of the Renault team, so losing a team member to them will be difficult to process. However, the French outfit’s actions are all a bit of fun and games and that everyone in F1 has a sense of humour.

The French manufacturer held on fifth place in the constructors’ championship ahead of nearest rivals Toro Rosso after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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Written by:

Dhruv George

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Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports, having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR, Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1 driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino.
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