Renault's Abiteboul takes aim at Magnussen

It looks like the good old days of political turmoil may have returned at Renault with the announcement that team principal Fred Vasseur has resigned with immediate effect.

But on the driver front we've also learned a bit as to why Kevin Magnussen parted ways with the French outfit, or was it Renault that dispensed with the services of the Danish driver, choosing ultimately to keep Jolyon Palmer?

While not denying Magnussen's talent, Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul criticised his former driver's attitiude and lack of discipline.

"Keeping Magnussen may have seemed like a logical choice in terms of keeping onboard a standard reference," Abiteboul told France's Auto Hebdo.

"But personally, I was disappointed by him. I was disappointed by his performance as well as by his attitude. He has undeniable talent but lacks discipline and commitment, and looks for excuses a bit too often."

• Abiteboul: 'It's not Vasseur's team!'

Abiteboul noted that Palmer's progress was linear all year in 2016, while Magnussen's performance stagnated.

"At many races, Joylon was nowhere on Friday only to steadily improve all weekend while Magnussen's performance would start alright only to fall off thereafter.

"Palmer moves at his own pace, in F1 just like he did on GP2 where he needs several seasons to clinch the title, but he's on an ascending line. Logically, he should be better in 2017."

Magnussen  would no doubt have a few things to say in his defence, but upon learning of Vasseur's departure yesterday the Haas driver admitted he was not surprised by Renault's management issues.

"I feel like I've been unlucky in Formula 1 to hit two teams - McLaren and Renault - that were having a bit of a mess with their leadership," he told Danish newspaper BT.

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