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Abiteboul: That's what he's capable of

Abiteboul: "That's what he's capable of"

13-10-2020 16:17
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GPblog.com

Daniel Ricciardo took his first podium for Renault at the Eifel Grand Prix, an achievement that proves Renault is on the right track. The French team has already achieved more World Championship points this season than in recent years, and is fighting for third place in the championship. That Abiteboul really appreciates this result was already clear given the tattoo he promised Ricciardo in a bet, but he confirms it again in an interview.

Cruciale rol

Ricciardo's move from Red Bull Racing to Renault in early 2019 caused a lot of surprise, especially as Renault was not yet at the same level of performance. There was a lot of speculation that Ricciardo regretted the move, which was reinforced when Ricciardo announced his move to McLaren in 2021.

However, Abiteboul believes that last Sunday's result is a confirmation that Ricciardo's move to Renault was the right one. "It is important for the team, for Daniel and for me. There was a lot of doubt on both sides before he came to drive for us. Now we've shown it was the right choice and we've silenced critics", Abiteboul said to Motorsport.com.

But it took a while for it to go in the right direction. "Last year was disappointing. It may have been a year too early, but we had to seize the opportunity to hire a driver like Daniel. I still think we made the right decision."

He also says Ricciardo has had a lot of influence on the team. "The team wouldn't have been the same without Daniel. It's been a painful year and we are in a much better position in the end, this season and the next. That's what Daniel is capable of", he concludes.