Ricciardo Not Convinced by Honda Praise: Renault

According to Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul, incoming driver, Daniel Ricciardo was not convinced by Red Bull. He was referring to the heaps of praise that Red Bull showered its future engine partner Honda.

With this switch, Ricciardo is sticking with his current engine manufacturer Renault. The French manufacturer has brought him all seven of his F1 wins. Meanwhile the Australian’s current team are switching to Honda power for 2019.

Recently, Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko claimed that “nobody can keep up,” with Honda’s resources”. All this inspite of the Japanese outfit consistently providing the least powerful power unit. They have been the weakest of the 4 power units ever since it arrived back on the scene in 2015 with McLaren.

“What I appreciate is the fact that Daniel has his position, he has his agenda, he has his situation, which I don’t want to comment on,” said Abiteboul “But I don’t think he was impressed by Red Bull’s communications strategy, vis a vis Renault, vis a vis Honda, and how perfect Honda is.

“I think it’s a bit unfair to Renault. I think Honda is progressing, but all the communication of Toro Rosso regarding Honda, when Honda has already introduced 11 or 12 power units. Frankly it’s a joke, and unimpressive. That they can influence a guy like Pierre Gasly I can understand, and not a driver like Daniel Ricciardo, and that I respect.”

In the meantime, all the teams are looking forward to the Belgian GP this weekend. Daniel Ricciardo will be preparing for his final few races for the Aston Martin Red Bull team. At the same time, Carlos Sainz prepares to leave Renault and venture to McLaren. Finally, Fernando Alonso gears up for his final Belgian GP and final few F1 races as he faces his trusty deckchair for good.