Team boss Cyril Abiteboul’s statement is fairly short and cryptic, too: “In our sport, and particularly within the current extraordinary situation, reciprocated confidence, unity and commitment are, more than ever, critical values for a works team. I am confident that the 2020 season will allow us to accomplish even more together. Our ambitions and the strategy of Renault DP World F1 Team remain unchanged.”
Ricciardo’s departure leaves a hole to fill at Renault, then. Esteban Ocon is making his return to racing with the French team in 2020, having sat patiently on the sidelines since he was left without a drive at the end of 2018, but who will be his team-mate? Will it be Sebastian Vettel? Could it even be Nico Hulkenberg? Or, as hilarious as it sounds, maybe even Fernando Alonso?
Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.