Former Red Bull and current Renault Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo believes the two organisations can mend bridges and enjoy a “good working relationship” if circumstances force them to reunite.
The impending departure of Honda from F1 means Red Bull will now need to find an alternative source of power units, and Renault is the obvious fit among the current engine manufacturers – given it will only supply its works team starting from next year, whereas both Mercedes and Ferrari have and will continue to have several customers.
“Time heals a lot of things and whether things weren’t seen eye to eye a few years ago, I don’t think that will necessarily remain forever” :: Daniel Ricciardo
Though Red Bull won all four of its F1 title doubles using Renault power, the relationship soured during the hybrid era, with the team running TAG Heuer-badged Renault units from 2016 and 2018 after having attempted to align with a different supplier.
A further point of contention arose in 2018 when Renault lured none other than Ricciardo away from Red Bull in a surprise move, the energy drink giant having been convinced it would retain the Aussie’s services.
Red Bull’s current situation means Renault could be obliged by the rules to supply engines to its two F1 teams, and Ricciardo – who is leaving Renault at the end of the season to drive a Mercedes-powered McLaren – believes the two sides can make it work.
“I think they could,” he said. “Obviously, it’s not really up to me to decide how that goes. But I do think they could.
“I think there’s emotions and then there’s business, and then there’s time. Time heals a lot of things and whether things weren’t seen eye to eye a few years ago, whenever it was, I don’t think that will necessarily remain forever.
“If that’s what ends up happening in the future, I think they can get back on good working terms.
“I never experienced anything that was irreparable. So I am not concerned, if that’s what they do. I think they’ll get on with it.”
Though Mercedes is the benchmark engine on the current grid, Renault now appears in better shape than it had been when it split with Red Bull, both in terms of reliability and power.
“However the relationship ended last time with Red Bull and Renault, the fact is Red Bull was still winning at times, certainly winning races with Renault in the back of the car. And obviously the championships were with Renault,” Ricciardo added.
“So I think at the end of the day, if they’re building a good car, they’re going to get obviously support.”
Ricciardo had cited doubts about the Honda project as a major factor in his decision when he announced his Red Bull departure in 2018.
Though the Red Bull-Honda was ultimately competitive – and certainly more so than the Renaults Ricciardo has driven – it has not succeeded so far in mounting a title challenge.
Asked if Honda’s decision had come as vindication for his reasoning, Ricciardo said: “I honestly don’t feel anything personal towards it. I’m not jumping around saying ‘I was right’. It’s nothing like that, obviously.
“As far as Red Bull and my relationship with them, a lot of personnel in the team, I kept that strong throughout. Even through my decision, I kept good relationships. So I never wanted them to struggle or suffer, so to speak.
“Now they’ve got a decision to make with what happens next. But I don’t really look at it in a personal light of me winning or losing, it’s just the nature of the sport. And I think there’s always a chance, the sport’s always changing so much.
“I do hope they find a solution, a good one, and they stay afloat and keep being a rival for the rest of us.”
