The Team Boss for Renault Racing in Formula One has spoken about his relationship with Daniel Riccardo. These discussions follow after the Australian Honey Badger determined that McLaren Racing was better suited for his talents, ditching Renault after guarantying them years of service. Promises made by Team Boss Cyril Abiteboul of Renault wasn’t ever met for Daniel Riccardo, prompting the former Red Bull Driver to switch teams.
Cyril Abiteboul has continuously been questioned about Riccardo since he announced switching to McLaren, with a seat becoming available to the Australian after Carlos Sainz was confirmed to be driving with Ferrari for 2021. This means Sebastian Vettel has lost his position with Scuderia Ferrari & won’t race in F1 Grand Prix’s after the short-lived 2020 season.
The Renault Team Boss provided insight into the role that Daniel Riccardo will play, clarifying that his position for car development will be crucial until the final moment of his contract. Cyril has strategized that he’ll make the absolute most of Daniel’s capabilities & knowledge before his contract expires, which means the Australian will be overworked for the short period that Formula One is available in 2020.
When questioned if Esteban Ocon will receive better strategies & favouritism over Daniel Riccardo, Cyril Abiteboul disregarded these sentiments. He noted that French Auto Manufacturers don’t work with grudges in mind, focusing on the racing at hand. The Honey Badger will still be given every opportunity to obtain championship position for Renault, with Cyril still believing his outfit is capable of competing against Red Bull & McLaren. They are not.
The Token System
Cyril is counting on the “Token System” implemented for 2021, which limited what’s possible with altering Formula One Cars. Renault believes the changes they’re implementing through this specialized token system will allow them to compete against McLaren and Red Bull.
That’s because both competing outfits must focus their tokens on Stability & Suspension, with those having already been mastered by Renault. Their tokens can focus on engine improvements & possibly create faster speeds down the straights. Motorsport analysts reflected on the sentiments from Cyril Abiteboul, mentioning how the Renault Team Boss has often bolstered of his team’s capabilities & then never seen his promises through.