Renault's Marcin Budkowski says the French squad was "flattered" by Red Bull's decision not to let Daniel Ricciardo run with the team at F1's post-season test in Abu Dhabi last December. Red Bull Racing refused to grant Renault's request for Ricciardo's early release to allow the Aussie to get acquainted with his new team by running at Yas Marina, basing its decision on a few remaining "obligations" associated with its driver's contract. Renault duly took note, but Budkowski actually believes the snub was a reflection of Red Bull's fear of the French outfit and its reluctance to provide its rival with any sort of early advantage for 2019. Renault: Ricciardo hiring...
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