Renault boss appears unimpressed with Ricciardo defection

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Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul offered an ambiguous comment in the team's press release announcing Daniel Ricciardo's departure at the end of 2021.

Ricciardo will leave Renault after a two-year spell with the French outfit to switch his allegiance to McLaren for whom the Aussie has signed a multi-year agreement starting in 2021.

As a reminder, Renault recruited the former Red Bull driver at a very high cost, estimated at a whopping $55 million for two years, but with the hope that the seven-time Grand Prix winner was the perfect man to lead it to the next level.

McLaren confirms Ricciardo for 2021!

The pair's first season together fell short of expectations, as Renault's RS19 struggled among F1's midfield contenders, with a fourth-place finish at Monza representing Ricciardo's best result in 2019.

Hopes of Renault and the Aussie improving their track record together have been put on hold by the coronavirus crisis, but regardless on when or if the season gets underway, the association will have run its course at the end of the year.

In the team's release on Thursday confirming Ricciardo's move to McLaren, Abiteboul offered a few equivocal words on his driver's exit that appeared to question the latter's "unity and commitment", before concluding his comment on a positive note as if to counter-balance his opening remark.

©Renault

"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," Abiteboul said.

"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."

On Twitter, Ricciardo also conveyed his hope that his team and himself can enjoy a strong end to their partnership.

"I am so grateful for my time with the Renault team and the way I was accepted into the team," the 30-year-old wrote.

"But we aren’t done and I can’t wait to get back on the grid this year. My next chapter isn’t here yet, so let’s finish this one strong."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.