Abiteboul: Ricciardo wins will come in 2020 at the earliest

Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has claimed that Daniel Ricciardo shouldn't be expected to win a grand prix until 2020 at the earliest. The Australian made a shock move to Renault, announcing his move just after the Hungarian Grand Prix, surprising the entire F1 world.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Abiteboul admitted that although Ricciardo had shown faith in the Renault team by signing with them, expecting wins right away would be an unrealistic expectation.

"His commitment to us proves our will to accelerate the catching-up process to the top teams," Abiteboul explained.

"It's also a recognition of the work we have done over the past two and a half years. Daniel's talent and charisma are a big bonus for us. We have to repay that trust by providing him with the best possible car. We have to repay that trust by providing him with the best possible car."

Ricciardo is regarded as one of the fastest drivers on the grid currently, but that doesn't mean that his future boss is expecting miracles when he finally arrives at the French outfit.

"With Ricciardo, the big objective is to fight for the title in 2021, but we hope that he can start winning races in 2020," Abiteboul told Auto Hebdo.

"But I have also realised that these 29, 30-year-old drivers - and it's the same thing with Nico (Hulkenberg) - they not only want to drive but they aspire to something else.

"It's not the same with everyone, but I do believe it is with these two guys."