Renault did not make any special or exaggerated offers to Daniel Ricciardo during their successful attempts to sign him, managing director Cyril Abiteboul has claimed.
The Australian made a stunning late U-turn regarding his future at the start of the summer break, declining the contract that had been written up by Red Bull and joining the French manufacturer as they look to rekindle their championship-winning days.
Explaining his decision, Ricciardo claims he needed a “change in scenery” after becoming disenchanted by the same old routine with Abiteboul insisting there was no late extra incentives.
“Our offer has been around for a while, [Daniel] decided very late that it was the way that he wanted to follow for himself,” he said at Spa on Friday.
“There has not been anything new on our side in the last moments, he knew the deal on the table in terms of financial arrangements,” the Frenchman added, responding to claims of a late salary increase.
“But also in terms of the team – the shape we are in, the responsibility that we have to be part of the construction of the team, and therefore of the car which is still not at the level of Red Bull – and will not be at the level of Red Bull next year.
“We’ve not done or said anything, we are extremely genuine, we are honest in the way that we are presenting the facts,” Abiteboul concluded.
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The Renault chief also thinks Red Bull shot themselves in the foot with how they managed the decision to switch to Honda engines for 2019, with Ricciardo not buying into the hype.
“I don’t think he was impressed by Red Bull’s communications strategy [of criticising Renault] and [hailing] how perfect Honda is,” he later told Motorsport.com.
“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,” he added.
