Renault set to secure F1 future amid major overhaul

Renault Sport is making headway towards securing its future in Formula One, as the French constructor apparently favours the option of a Lotus F1 Team buy-out.

Renault would acquire 51% of Lotus’ shares, with Genii Capital founding partner Gérard Lopez keeping a stake of 49%.

Lotus F1 cars will still have Mercedes power units next season before the buy-out process becomes fully complete by 2017. This also means that both Red Bull and Toro Rosso will have to find a new engine partner beyond their current contracts.

Simultaneously, Renault Sport F1 and Renault Sport Technologies will merge to form a single department based at Viry-Châtillon, south of Paris. Current RSF1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul will be at the helm of the newly created structure with Renault ambassador Alain Prost serving as special F1 advisor.

The reorganisation will see a reshuffling of Renault’s entire range of motorsport activities, except for its involvement in Formula E through e.dams – a team co-owned by Prost.

World Series by Renault could thus become support events to other FIA-sanctioned championships, including WTCC, F3, and the future F2 – which would draw inspiration from the current Formula Renault 3.5 Series.

It remains to be seen whether such a major overhaul will happen as early as 2016, or more likely in 2017. More light is expected to be shed on Renault’s future plans during next week’s World Motor Sport Council meeting.

Click here for the F1 drivers' girlfriends gallery

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Pierre Van Vliet

Pierre Van Vliet is a respected and authoritative figure in F1 news circles and brings a wealth of information to F1i.com

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

14 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

16 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

17 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

19 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

20 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

21 hours ago