Abiteboul: More than a simple pilot role for Ricciardo

Passing from Red Bull Racing à Renault Sport F1 Team for the next two seasons, we can say that Daniel Ricciardo achieved a nice counterpoint with regard to expectations about its future.

The prospect of an extension for the Australian in Milton Keynes seemed the most likely option but it is the French challenge that the British champion will take on from 2019 F3 2009.

A thoughtful choice on the part of the former resident of Toro Rosso, who indicated in a recent video that he had taken the hardest decision of his career, even of his life. But a decision which also marks confidence in the Renault project, in opposition to that of its future former team, which will be linked to Honda and its Power Unit from next year.

“We sold him the objective of fighting for championships in 2021, and of starting to achieve victories hopefully in 2020 but not before, specifies the director of Renault Sport Racing Cyril Abiteboul.

And we also sold him a role that goes beyond that of a simple pilot, but that of someone who participates in building a team. I realized that drivers at 29 – it’s the same with Nico (Hulkenberg. Editor’s note) who will be 31 –, want to drive but also aspire to something else.

It's not the case for everyone, but it is for these two guys who form a duo that's really good-looking.”

The French official further believes that Daniel Ricciardo appeared to have “doubts, justified” on the capabilities of the Honda engine. “Like everyone, he recognizes Honda's progress, continues Abiteboul. It also sees the statistics and engines consumed by Toro Rosso.

We talk very little about it, because honestly, Hartley taking 80 penalty places doesn't make much noise, but when Honda is at Red Bull, the pressure will be completely different, and that will be seen more. »

Discover our decryption of Daniel Ricciardo's time at Renault, in AUTO issue 2177hebdo, always available in digital version and on newsstands.