Renault Sport F1 look set to make ART team principle Frederic Vasseur their new racing director for their return to Formula One in just a few short months.
Following in McLaren and Mercedes footsteps, Renault have decided to avoid the usual team structure by not having a team principle. Instead, they will implement a new management structure that will deal with the business side of the team, the commercial side, race side and also deal with the various politics involved. This move reflects the modern era of Formula One with far too many responsibilities and this to deal with a sole team principle is no longer adequate for the smooth running of a Formula One team.
Vasseur’s responsibility in this new structure will be solely sporting matters. Working alongside Vasseur the management team will consist of Cyril Abiteboul who will become CEO of the Viry and Enstone operations, his responsibility will be all engine related matters. Current technical director Nick Chester will continue in his current role whilst the former Lotus owner Gerard Lopez will handle the commercial rights holders CVC andBernie Ecclestone. It is also expected Alain Prost will take up an ambassador’s role with the team much like Niki Lauda‘s role at Mercedes.
It is understood talks are going well and are still ongoing between Vasseur and Renault, but a deal is close to being finalised.
Renault believes with this team in place and their finances they can challenge Mercedes and Ferrari for race victories. Whether they will manage this in the coming season is a cause for debate but you can be sure with this team in place they mean business.
