diff --git a/test/runner/lib/executor.py b/test/runner/lib/executor.py
index 4a93276afa..f563730637 100644
--- a/test/runner/lib/executor.py
+++ b/test/runner/lib/executor.py
@@ -441,7 +441,7 @@ def network_inventory(remotes):
         options = dict(
             ansible_host=remote.connection.hostname,
             ansible_user=remote.connection.username,
-            ansible_ssh_private_key_file=remote.ssh_key.key,
+            ansible_ssh_private_key_file=os.path.abspath(remote.ssh_key.key),
             ansible_network_os=remote.platform,
             ansible_connection='local'
         )