Frederic Vasseur believes Nico Hulkenberg will still provide the leadership that attracted Renault to him, despite finding it difficult to accept the team principal’s decision to leave the team.
Hulkenberg has worked with Vasseur in the past, winning both the 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series title and the 2009 GP2 crown with Vasseur’s ART Grand Prix outfit. That connection played a crucial role in securing the German’s signature for Renault’s 2017 campaign.
Vasseur’s decision to leave Renault due to differences of opinion with managing director Cyril Abiteboul hit Hulkenberg hard, but the now ex-team principal says he was supportive of his decision.
“[The relationship with Hulkenberg] became a major hurdle when I made the decision to leave Renault,” Vasseur was quoted by Motorsport.com. “I am close to Nico and I put a lot of effort in getting him to drive for Renault.
“I think my decision to leave the team was best because it was not working, it’s clear. Nico and I talked a lot about my decision. He’s been very supportive.”
Despite the impact of him leaving the team, Vasseur believes Hulkenberg will continue to fulfil the role of leader within the still developing team, one of the main qualities he was brought to the team for.
“My decision was hard for him to accept, by he is fully involved and he will give his best,” Vasseur said. “That’s a reason why I wanted him at the team. The team is being restructured and for me, it was important to have a leader.
“Whatever may happen, Nico will act as a leader and pull the team forward. I think it’s a crucial factor in the success of a team.”
Vasseur already hailed Hulkenberg as a motivator in when he joined Renault at the end of 2016, which will be crucial to Renault as they try to build on their first season after returning to Formula One.
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