Cyril Abiteboul Tag

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief Renault announced changes within their aerodynamic department with eyes already on the 2020 season. The team reached a “mutually agreement” to part ways with immediate effect with Peter Machin, who previously served as the head of aerodynamics. In turn, Dirk de Beer, returns to the team and takes over the role after stops at Williams and Ferrari. Additionally, Vince Todd will serve as the deputy head of aerodynamics on an interim basis for the remainder of 2019 with the permanent replacement for next season to beRead More

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief Esteban Ocon is set to return to Formula 1 after signing a two-year deal with Renault, replacing Nico Hulkenberg for the 2020 season. The 22-year-old Frenchman will team alongside Daniel Ricciardo and moves over to the French squad after spending this campaign in a reserve role with Mercedes. However, after Mercedes opted to retain veteran Valtteri Bottas it allowed Ocon to be released for an opportunity to join Renault. Ocon has 50 F1 starts under his belt, with his most recent drive coming with Racing PointRead More

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief Renault confirmed that Daniel Ricciardo has signed on with a two-year deal beginning with the 2019 Formula 1 season. The 29-year-old Aussie has been a fixture with Red Bull Racing since 2014, collecting seven wins over that time, including two thus far in 2018. He made his F1 debut with HRT in 2011 before spending the next two years at Scuderia Toro Rosso. Ricciardo will partner with Nico Hulkenberg and take over the seat occupied by Carlos Sainz Jr., who is coincidentally on loan from RedRead More

By Adam Tate, Associate Editor Renault Sport Formula One Team debuted their newest F1 challenger today, dubbed the RS18. It features a sinister, mostly black livery that somewhat disguises a clear evolution of their 2017 car, the RS17. That car finished last season as the fourth fastest machine in the hands of late addition Carlos Sainz and team leader Nico Hulkenberg. With that in mind the immediate future looks bright, but with McLaren widely expected to take a major leap forward the fight for the best of the rest which RenaultRead More

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief Cyril Abiteboul, the managing director of Renault Formula One Team, confirmed at Friday’s FIA press conference that the French manufacturer has talked with McLaren about a potential engine supply deal for the 2018 season. Renault, which currently supplies for its factory team and both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso, appears to be McLaren’s last hope for a different power unit should it elect to terminate their relationship with Honda. For McLaren, the frustrations have grown as their three-year relationship with the Japanese manufacturer has failedRead More

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief The Renault Sport F1 Team has appointed Oliver Rowland as its latest development driver for the 2017 season. Competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with DAMS this year, the team will push the 24-year-old through simulator programs with future dates setup on track. “My aim has always been to get a role in Formula 1 so it’s great to see all my hard work pay off,” said Rowland via team release. “The Renault Sport Academy was the perfect training ground and the role of DevelopmentRead More

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief Renault Sport F1 Team became the third squad to reveal its 2017 Formula 1 car – the RS17. The launch came at an event in London with the team also officially introducing race drivers Nico Hulkenberg and Jolyon Palmer, and test driver Sergei Sorotkin. Having finished ninth in the constructors’ standings last season, Renault Sport president Jerome Stoll set the target for fifth place for the upcoming season. “The RS17 is the first car which Enstone and Viry (Renault’s UK and French F1 bases) have beenRead More

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief Renault announced that it will be switching fuel suppliers to BP/Castrol for the 2017 Formula 1 season. The French outfit had been involved with Total, but upon weighing options with its involvement decided a move was necessary. Jerome Stoll, president of Renault Sport Racing, is “proud” to help return the tradition of the fuel and lubricants company to the sport of F1. “The return of BP and Castrol, brands with such strong heritage in motorsport, is very good news and opens new opportunities for our FormulaRead More

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief Frederic Vasseur helped lead Renault Sport F1 back onto the grid in last season, but unfortunately, the two have decided to part ways prior to 2017. The Frenchman worked alongside Renault F1 chief Cyril Abiteboul with restructuring and recruitment for long term vision. Vasseur was promoted to team principal midway through the season as Abiteboul moved to the factory with a focus on overseeing the operation. The team released a statement on the departure, citing it as a “mutual agreement” and that there is no changeRead More

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief Esteban Ocon is set to make his Formula 1 debut in the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Franchorchamps after being tabbed to replace Rio Haryanto at Manor for the remainder of the season. A winner of both the FIA European F3 championship (2014) and GP3 Series title (2015), Ocon has spent this year in a reserve role with Renault Sport F1 Team while also competing with Mercedes-AMG in DTM. “I’m thrilled that I’ll be making my Grand Prix debut with Manor Racing later this month, and atRead More