Renault F1: Ghosn demands solid progress year after year
Carlos Ghosn does not intend to interfere in the sports management of Renault F1. The CEO of the French brand is also giving his team time before it becomes a regular on the podiums and victories.
Carlos Ghosn may have given the final approval for Renault’s return to Formula 1, but he does not intend to overstep his role and act as if he were a true Formula 1 expert. “I do not choose the drivers,” he reminded. “One of the conditions I want to establish is that the head of the Formula 1 team is accountable for their results. And if I want that, then I must let them choose the technology, the drivers, etc. At the end of the day, I don’t want to hear them say, ‘I didn’t succeed because you chose the drivers.’ They choose everything they need to be competitive. That’s what I ask for,” he explained.
Aware of the significant marketing stakes but also of the lag accumulated after a late acquisition of the Lotus team, Carlos Ghosn does not intend to put undue pressure on the shoulders of Cyril Abiteboul and Frédéric Vasseur. He has in mind a long-term vision for the diamond’s F1 commitment: “One of the reasons we are taking the time to settle in and want solid results is because progress must be made step by step, without taking two steps back. That’s why I’m giving them time to build a very strong team, with solid technology, a solid engine, a solid car, and good drivers: we want sustainable performance. We’re talking about a sustained marketing effort that will take several years. It’s not about making the car work one year and then falling back. It’s about being competitive.”
To do this, Renault will eventually have to put an end to Mercedes’ current domination. Such a challenge does not scare Carlos Ghosn: « Three years ago, Red Bull had been dominating for five years, and people were saying ‘Oh my god, what’s going to happen?’ But there has been change. There will continue to be change. At the end of the day, it’s about technology, people, drivers, coaches, technicians. So don’t expect everything to last forever. There is a beginning and an end for everything and we will be very happy to participate in this uncertainty surrounding my victories in Formula 1. »
Renault F1 has committed for at least eight years in Formula 1. Podiums would be a goal for 2018, the world title for 2020. As an example, it took four years for Mercedes F1 to dominate the discipline in 2014.
