Although the colour scheme may not have changed hugely, Renault's driver line up sure has. With the addition of Daniel Ricciardo and the retainment or Nico Hulkenberg, Renault have definitely secured a line up that will intrigue many and attract millions. The two new teammates are both highly competitive and are both well established. Both are very consistent, Nico proved this last season, despite seven retirements the German still managed to finish best of the rest in the drivers standings with seventh place.
Many were shocked by the move Daniel Ricciardo decided upon, however, when asked about his decision to move to Renault, he responded humorously with "Bonjour. Je m'appelle Daniel. I just wanted to learn French."
Nico and Daniel finished side by side in the drivers standings last year. Will the pair flourish in each others company, or will it turn sour like it did with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes? However, the pair differ, on a Saturday Nico has proven he has what it takes to put his car at the top of the midfielders, seventh. But Daniel doesn't seem to bloom in conditions such as qualifying, having been out qualified by Max Verstappen sixteen times last season. Although, the Australian does score when it counts, on a Sunday. This will be a team to keep an eye on...
The livery may have been unveiled today at the Enstone based factory, however the actual 2019 contender was not. This will be kept hidden under wraps until the first day of testing, February 18th. Although the RS19 may not be out in the open yet, the team has released photos online of the actual car.
The team have placed goals of a podium position this year and have stated a long-term goal of being championship contenders in 2021, which is still a long three years away. Cyril Abiteboul, Renault's team boss stated, "We want to fight for more. We want to reduce the gap to the frontrunners and target engine excellence." Especially with the departure of Red Bull Racing using Renault as their engine suppliers, the black and yellow team are striving to achieve the best.
Renault will be pushing hard on the engine development and reliability to bring the fight to the top teams, especially Ferrari and Mercedes who are also engine suppliers. Things are looking up, with the engine boss, Remi Taffin, saying "We've had the best winter of the last five years."
Will Renault manage a podium or maybe even a win this season? If so, who will achieve it, the newbie or Nico, who is yet to achieve a podium in his whole entire F1 career which started in 2010?
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