As well as being regarded as one of the most talented drivers in F1 history, Alonso has also been considered as one of its most political too. And the Spaniard's last stint in F1 with McLaren often proved turbulent amid the team's big struggle for competitiveness with Honda engines in 2015-2017.
But, after time away from the often "toxic" nature of the sport, Abiteboul believes his new signing has changed - and is confident there will be "no politics in our team".
"I think it's a different Fernando that we have today," said the Renault team principal in conversation with Craig Slater.
"The sport can be at times toxic, in particular when you know, like he knows, that he's a fantastic driver and yet you have absolutely no chance to get even close to a podium. That's tough, that's very difficult.
Since returning to F1 as a full works entry in 2016, Renault had been impressively working their way up the Constructors' Championship - until last year, when they dropped back behind McLaren to fifth place
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