Ricciardo deal could not exist elsewhere in F1

Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul believes the commercial arrangement with Daniel Ricciardo is not “stupid money” and insists it is based on his ability.

Australian Ricciardo moves to Renault for the 2019 season after parting ways with Red Bull in 2018 after two wins last season.

Ricciardo has a two-year deal at Renault and Abiteboul believes the commercial deal Ricciardo has couldn’t exist elsewhere within the sport.

"I would [also] like to say that the commercial arrangement with Daniel is extremely sensible and nowhere near what can exist elsewhere in F1," the Renault boss told Motorsport.

"It is obviously commensurate to the level of his skills and talent, and what he can bring to the team. 

"But it is not a stupid amount of money.”

Abiteboul does not believe the deal will be detrimental to the team and insisted the deal was done sensibly.

"So I think it has all been done in a sensible way, and it is not in a way that will be detrimental to the team who can keep on spending on the development of the car and the engine." Added the Frenchman.