Renault Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul says the manufacturer’s Formula 1 ambitions “remain unchanged” in the wake of Daniel Ricciardo’s impending departure from the outfit.
Ricciardo joined Renault on a two-year deal from 2019 with the ambition of the team moving clear of Formula 1’s midfield, but it fell to fifth in the standings, behind customer squad McLaren.
On Thursday it was confirmed that Ricciardo will move to McLaren from 2021 on a multi-year deal, bringing his partnership with Renault to an end after 2020.
In a statement issued by Renault it referred to the “unprecedented context of the 2020 season” in being unable to reach a renewal with Ricciardo beyond the end of the year.
“In our sport, and particularly within the current extraordinary situation, reciprocated confidence, unity and commitment are, more than ever, critical values for a works team,” said Abiteboul, while not referencing Ricciardo in his own comment.
“I am confident that the 2020 season will allow us to accomplish even more together.
“Our ambitions and the strategy of Renault DP World F1 Team remain unchanged.”
Renault has yet to confirm a replacement for Ricciardo.
It currently has Esteban Ocon under contract through 2021.
It has fielded Kevin Magnussen, Jolyon Palmer, Sainz Jr., Nico Hulkenberg, and Ricciardo since returning to Formula 1 as a works team in 2016.
