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Renault: 2021 focus can't be used as an excuse if 2020 F1 season is poor

Renault: 2021 focus can't be used as an excuse if 2020 F1 season is poor

18-01-2020 11:00 Last update: 12:52
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Renault will be focusing hard on ensuring they get the 2021 rule and regulation overhaul correct, boss Cyril Abiteboul is adamant the team can't use these distractions as an excuse if the 2020 F1 season is poor. 

Teams voted against changing the tyres for the 2020 season. Mario Isola believes this was due to teams wanting to limit car development as much as possible ahead of the 2020 F1 season in order to focus on the 2021 changes. No rule changes will be made between the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 2020 Australian Grand Prix. 

Because the changes are so big for 2021, all teams are looking further ahead than they usually would this season. With two seasons to focus on, Abiteboul knows Renault must get the balance right. 

"It is a normal winter but it is also a winter prior to a year that becomes challenging. We have to find a balance between 2020 and 2021," Abiteboul told motorsport.com. 

"Everyone on the grid faces that challenge, but I don't think any other team will have the same expectations for 2021 as Renault. All our strategies are based on that. The new regulations are enormously in our favour. That's why it is. I do not, however, want 2021 to become an excuse if we have a moderate season in 2020."