Renault Chief Admits Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren F1 Contract Made Him Frustrated

Things are finally looking up for Renault this season. Contending for the podium and exhibiting real intent and motivation on the tracks, Renault look strong and want to keep the momentum going.

The 2021 season will see Renault in a new avatar as Alpine will be amalgamated in the Formula 1 sector. However, the only drawback is they’ll be missing Daniel Ricciardo, who’s on his way to McLaren.

Ricciardo informed Renault of his decision to join McLaren early this season. However, Cyril Abiteboul was a bit cross owing to the Aussie’s departure. Renault was building the team around Ricciardo and was hopeful of major success.

His abrupt decision to leave the team not only startled Cyril but also frustrated him. “I think everyone has been able to feel the frustration, and my own frustration when it was announced,” said Abiteboul.

“And let’s be honest. I had the feeling that this [progress] was coming: that the team had made a step up and that the car would be better. Plus that there was much more to come actually in the pipeline, that he [Ricciardo] had not driven yet.

“I knew the figures, but the problem is that it’s only figures, and I know that he’s been promised lots of things in the past not only by us but also by his previous team.”

Daniel Ricciardo is set for new challenges

Ferrari handed over the notice of discontinuation to Sebastian Vettel early in the season. Carlos Sainz, who races for McLaren, will be joining the Maranello-based outfit come 2021.

This opened up a vacancy in the McLaren line up and they desperately needed someone to assist Lando Norris in the races. Daniel Ricciardo was the best fit owing to his experience and skills.

McLaren did a splendid job in roping the Australian in to run for the Championship race with the Woking-based outfit. Ricciardo is running strong with Renault this season. He’ll be looking forward to getting his desired results racing for McLaren as 2021 rolls around.