[PapaofGags]

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/141124...-ricciardo

Renault Formula 1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul insists it is not spending "stupid money" on Daniel Ricciardo, and that his acquisition represents good value, even if it is not yet ready to win.

Renault Formula 1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul insists it is not spending "stupid money" on Daniel Ricciardo, and that his acquisition represents good value, even if it is not yet ready to win.

Ricciardo has made the switch from Red Bull to Renault for 2019, after feeling that the time was right for him to make a career change.

And while some have questioned the Australian's decision on competitive grounds, his deal was sweetened by him taking a major pay hike over what he was expected to get if he had stayed at Red Bull.

"The question mark is about the value. Does it make sense to invest that type of money in a driver at the level of Daniel at this point of our journey, with the car that we have and the other expense that we must do? We believe so.

"There has been some discussion about that. Would we be better off investing in to the car or the drivers?

"I think we have reached a point where we can invest in both reasonably."

"It is obviously commensurate to the level of his skills and talent, and what he can bring to the team. But it is not a stupid amount of money".


More motivation for the Hulk...