Abiteboul: “Renault can afford anything” in F1

While relations between Renault and Red Bull have been stormy for many years, eventually leading to a split starting next season, Daniel Ricciardo’s move to the French manufacturer is not going to improve relations between the two parties. Christian Horner, the Red Bull director, did not hide his surprise at the decision of his future ex-driver: “Obviously, when Daniel called that Thursday, when he landed in the United States, despite him having everything he wanted in front of him from a financial, technical, and duration perspective, there was something within him that he still wanted to change. That’s what he explained to us, and that it was time for him to do something different. So it was obviously a surprise.”

Especially since he didn’t expect at all to see Daniel Ricciardo slam the door for Renault and not one of the two leading teams: « We thought that if he left us, it would be to go to Mercedes or Ferrari. But it’s obviously his decision and we completely respect it. »

The FIA having decided to bring the two men to the same press conference, Cyril Abiteboul stated that it should not be forgotten that Renault is a global manufacturer, with F1 representing only a small part of its investments: Firstly, in my opinion, Renault can afford almost anything. Renault is the largest manufacturer present in Formula 1. Full stop! So we can afford anything as long as it makes sense. It’s therefore only a question of return on investment and knowing if it makes sense to spend while we are in the development phase of our team.

He then followed up by implying that it wasn’t necessarily the financial offer that tipped the balance in his favor during the negotiations, but rather the sports project. He hinted, indirectly, that the driver didn’t believe in the potential of the team’s transition to Honda’s fold next season: « Secondly, I don’t think we made the biggest offer to get Daniel, without wanting to go into details. He believed in our project and not necessarily for the money. I don’t think it’s very fair to put that image on Daniel. »

Cyril Abiteboul explained that this arrival would result in an increase in the team’s budget since the salary agreed to bring the Australian on board is incomparable to what was paid to Carlos Sainz, who came from Red Bull: « It would make no sense for us to bring in a driver while having to make concessions on our ability to finance development on the engine or chassis. So, in summary, we have obviously increased our budget. » Daniel Ricciardo will thus become one of the highest-paid drivers in the paddock.

In this context, it becomes clear why Cyril Abiteboul emphasizes the need for his engineers to be able to provide his two high-potential drivers with equipment that allows them to compete with the leading teams. The major regulatory change for next season is thus a unique opportunity to reshuffle the deck.

From our special correspondent at Spa-Francorchamps