Renault hint Ricciardo didn't trust Honda

Renault chief Cyril Abiteboul says Red Bull's constant haranguing of the French power units and praise of Honda is "a joke" and may have influenced Daniel Ricciardo's decision to leave the team. Red Bull have been bullish in their predictions for 2019, when they expect Honda to provide more power and reliability than Renault.

Ricciardo perhaps doesn't agree with his current bosses, having opted to agree a two-year deal with Renault and bring his decade-long association with Red Bull to a close next year.

Abiteboul believes the routine politicking from Red Bull may have switched Ricciardo off - the Australian has claimed that he had grown "numb" due to the routine of racing for the same team into a fifth season.

"What I appreciate is the fact that Daniel has his position, he has his agenda, he has his situation, which I don't want to comment on," Abiteboul told Motorsport.

"But I don't think he was impressed by Red Bull's communications strategy, vis a vis Renault, vis a vis Honda, and how perfect Honda is.

"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. That they can influence a guy like Pierre Gasly I can understand, and not a driver like Daniel Ricciardo, and that I respect."

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen launched scathing criticisms of Renault after the Dutchman's DNF in Hungary last time out - Horner even namechecking Abiteboul in his reproach - however the Renault chief says it did not provide any extra motivation to take Ricciardo away from them.

"It was nothing to do with the driver decision," Abiteboul said. "Frankly we don't think like that.

"We've not done or said anything, we are extremely genuine, we are honest in the way that we are presenting the facts. I have not suddenly made a representation or promise regarding next year or what he will get regarding salary.

"He knew the deal on the table, in terms of financial arrangements, 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, I think he knows that.

"Our offer has been around for a while, and he decided very late that it was the way that he wanted to follow for himself."