'Renault leadership structure quite clear', insists Vasseur

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Renault team principal Frédéric Vasseur does not agree with the perception that Renault's current organizational structure is a cause of the team's issues.

Speaking to Autosport, Vasseur defended the French outfit's three-headed management platform, believing it was not so different from Red Bull or Mercedes' own approach.

"I'm not sure we have more chiefs than Mercedes, with Toto [Wolff] and Niki [Lauda], or Red Bull, with Christian [Horner] and Helmut [Marko]," Vasseur contended.

"If you put Mateschitz on top it is quite similar. We have an organisation with [Renault Sport Racing president] Jerome [Stoll], Cyril and I.

"We have two sides [engine and chassis], and you have also to consider we are rebuilding and growing up a lot, we have a lot of things to do."

Vasseur insists that from the inside, the chain of command and sharing of responsibilities was absolutely clear.

"I think three [leaders] is not too many. The organisation is quite clear in my mind, and in Cyril's mind, this is the most important thing.

"I am in charge of the track operation and the performance, Cyril is in charge of the company. We have completely different experience. I am coming from racing and Cyril from managing the company. I think it's complementary.

"It's clear for me from the beginning. There is no big deal on this point. Perhaps from outside it is not the case, but from inside it's working well."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.