Restructuring of the Aerodynamics Department at Renault
Renault F1 Team has formalized a restructuring of its aero department for the 2020 season in order to strengthen its organization and seize the opportunities offered by the 2021 regulations. The team has also managed to bring Pat Fry from McLaren.
A few hours after the release of the future 2021 regulations, the Enstone team announced a reorganization of its aerodynamics department. These measures are implemented for the 2020 season but especially on the eve of the 2021 season with the major turning point that Formula 1 will take. Renault wants to arm itself to compete with the top teams in 2021.
Peter Machin, the current head of the aerodynamics department, is leaving the team with immediate effect. This news results from a mutual agreement between the team and the engineer. He is most likely paying the price for the disappointing 2019 season as well as the team’s difficulties in correcting issues that persist year after year.
His successor will be Dirk de Beer, a former Ferrari and Williams engineer. He will be supported by a deputy chief aerodynamicist who will join next season from another team, and whose name is still unknown. The team with the losange will reveal his name in due course. Meanwhile, Vince Todd will hold this position temporarily until his arrival.
Internal promotion for James Rodgers, current principal aerodynamicist who becomes chief aerodynamicist. He will be in charge of the development and aerodynamic performance of the team.
Cyril Abiteboul, team director, explains this reorganization: In 2019, we demonstrated strengths, but we also identified areas that need to be strengthened. After a rapid growth of our aerodynamics department and an upgrade of our equipment, this strengthening of management in a key department will help us reap the benefits of our investments. This is all the more relevant as we enter a very important year in our mid-term plan since the 2021 aerodynamics regulation is now confirmed.
« We are delighted to welcome Dirk as Head of Aerodynamics. » Comments Marcin Budkowski, Executive Director of Renault F1 Team. « His technical and managerial skills make him the ideal profile to lead such a vast and complex department. James has demonstrated a strong ability to generate performance, and this new role will allow him to guide the aerodynamic development of all our vehicle projects. These changes represent a new step in the restructuring of Enstone’s chassis activities, and I am confident that they will help us regain our progress towards the front of the grid. »
The other major coup achieved by the French team is having convinced Pat Fry to join them from next season. He is one of the most experienced engineers in the paddock, having worked with Benetton, McLaren, Ferrari, and Manor. Back at Woking since last year, he was the one able to convince James Key to leave Toro Rosso to join McLaren.
