Renault reviews its commitment to F1
Following the Crashgate affair in 2009, Renault gradually withdrew from its F1 team, retaining only 25% of the team's shares in 2010. The French manufacturer is now solely an engine supplier, having sold its remaining shares this winter. Midway through the championship, Carlos Tavares and Jean-François Caubet assess the brand's involvement in Formula 1.
Become just an engine supplier again. That’s Renault’s choice for the 2011 season and beyond. But what led a double world champion manufacturer (2005-2006) to engage in this way in the premier discipline? Economic reasons, of course, as explained by Carlos Tavares, the new deputy CEO of the French manufacturer and a motor racing enthusiast: « It was a reasonable choice that brought us to a level of spending in line with our means. Renault does not have infinite funds. This decision allowed the company to refocus its efforts on the heart of racing, the engines. »
Jean-François Caubet, the director of Renault Sport, specified that a more in-depth commitment to engine activity rather than as a constructor team was more judicious in terms of media impact: « I don’t know if we lost something. But we can do more and better in terms of utilizing our sports results », even adding that « it’s a little bit like when Renault F1 was world champion. »
It is true that the 2010 world champion constructor, Red Bull Racing, won the championship with a Renault engine and continues this season to rack up victories and dominate the podiums.
In addition to Red Bull Racing, Lotus Renault GP, and Team Lotus, the French engine manufacturer will equip the Williams team’s cars in 2012, reminiscent of the 90s’ peak. This means that the French company will partner with a third of the grid: « Our commitment to F1 is a sustainable one as long as cost, image, and sporting fairness conditions are met. As long as these conditions are respected, there is no reason for us not to be in F1. We have been here for almost thirty years. We have already shown our passion. We continue to do so every day. » This should reassure fans of the brand regarding its long-term presence in Formula 1.
