Horner eyes fitting farewell for Ricciardo and Renault
abu dhabi — The Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend marks the end of many an era and couple among them would be Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s long association with Renault as well as their driver Daniel Ricciardo.
Renault have been Aston Martin Red Bull Racing’s engine partner since 2007 and although it hasn’t been a smooth ride over the years, it has been a hugely successful marriage with them conjuring four Drivers’ and four Constructors’ Championships on the bounce from 2010 to 2013.
But that marriage comes to an end this weekend with the Milton Keynes-based team set to partner Honda from next season. The team signed a contract ahead of the French Grand Prix this season which sees Honda supplying power units next season as well as the next.
The race weekend represents the last for Ricciardo with Aston Martin Red Bull Racing with the Australian signing a two-year contract to drive for Renault next season.
The 29-year-old came through the Red Bull Racing programme through their sister team Toro Rosso in 2012 following which he joined the main team in 2014.
And team principal Christian Horner looked back at both associations and said that it would be fitting to sign off with a win for both Renault and Ricciardo.
“Yeah, it’s slightly awkward, because I’m sitting next to Cyril who is taking both elements back after the weekend,” Horner said when asked to reflect on both.
“I’ll start with Renault. It’s been 12 years… Cyril was making the tea when we first started with Flavio… (Flavio Briatore, then Renault team principal). CA: He’s always nice!
“It’s obviously had its ups and down but overall, if you look at the record and what we have been able to achieve – eight constructors’ and drivers’ world championships, 59 victories so far, well in excess of 100 podiums, 60 pole positions – they’ve all come with Renault power. Obviously that chapter comes to a close this weekend and we open a new chapter with Honda in 2019. But despite the turbulence that
there has been in recent years, we hope to sign off on a positive note, and as I say, close the chapter on the Renault story,” he added.
Horner also spoke in glowing terms about Ricciardo.
“With Daniel, he’s been with us for 100 races, won seven of them. He’s grown up with Red Bull. He was an unknown kid from Australia who arrived in Europe when Red Bull first picked him up, taking him through the junior formulas, into Formula 1 through Toro Rosso and into Red Bull Racing. It’s been great to see his development, his growth, and he’s been a big part of our team for the past five season. All his seven victories, all the points he scored in Formula 1 have come in Red Bull cars. Hopefully we can give him a good sign-off in his final grand prix this weekend and wish him obviously the very best of luck for the future. But again, as one chapter closes another opens, with Pierre Gasly,” said Horner.