Renault Boss Abiteboul Accepts Responsibility For Losing Daniel Ricciardo to McLaren

It was a long time coming for both Daniel Ricciardo and Renault, but it was a moment to savor when it did. The Australian secured a P3 in the Eifel Grand Prix to end Renault’s enduring podium drought.

The French manufacturers have shown signs of progress in recent times, and they will certainly look to improve ahead of 2021 as they are optimistic of consistent higher points finishes.

However, one element that they will miss 2021 onwards would be their star driver, Daniel Ricciardo.

Daniel Ricciardo endured a difficult 2019 season with Renault

2019, as a season, was full of frustrating moments for Daniel Ricciardo at Renault. And Renault Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul has shouldered the blame for not being able to show Ricciardo what the R.S. 20 car was truly capable of. Especially at a time, where things seem to be coming together for Renault.

Abiteboul, in conversation with L’Equipe, was quoted as saying, “It blew me away to hear him announce his departure because this winter. I felt the car had potential.

“The pandemic stopped everything. But I blame myself for not having been able to show Daniel what was the true potential of our project.”

Ricciardo will be part of a fiercely competitive midfield battle in 2021

Despite the Australian’s move to McLaren, he will be embroiled in a tough fight for midfield places. With Racing Point already in a position of strength, Renault’s rebranded Alpine F1 team could give the others a run for their money.

Throw in the fact that AlphaTauri are emerging as real competitors from the bottom of the barrel, and it makes for an exciting 2021 season.

While everyone awaits the exciting changes that 2021 brings with it, Ricciardo will have one eye on the present. He will take this momentum going into the Portuguese Grand Prix on October 25 at Portimao with one objective- win.