Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul says he was “disappointed” by Kevin Magnussen’s performance and attitude during the 2016 season.
The Enstone-based outfit parted ways with Magnussen at the end of the year, with the Danish driver switching to Haas for 2017.
Renault suffered a tough year and scored just eight points, finishing ninth in the constructors’ standings.
“Keeping Magnussen may have seemed like a logical choice in terms of keeping onboard a standard reference,” Abiteboul explained to France’s Auto Hebdo.
“But personally, I was disappointed by him. I was disappointed by his performance as well as by his attitude.
“He has undeniable talent but lacks discipline and commitment, and looks for excuses a bit too often.”
Abiteboul felt Magnussen’s pace dropped off over the course of race weekends and season, whereas team-mate Jolyon Palmer made progress throughout.
He explained: “At many races, Joylon was nowhere on Friday only to steadily improve all weekend while Magnussen’s performance would start alright only to fall off thereafter.
“Palmer moves at his own pace, in F1 just like he did on GP2 where he needs several seasons to clinch the title, but he’s on an ascending line. Logically, he should be better in 2017.”
