ENSTONE, U.K. – The Renault F1 Team announced a restructuring of its aerodynamics department ahead of the 2020 season on Friday, as it continues to strengthen the organization for the upcoming 2021 regulations.
Peter Machin, Head of Aerodynamics, is leaving the team by mutual agreement, with Dirk de Beer taking over as Head of Aerodynamics. De Beer brings extensive experience of managing Aerodynamics Departments and a successful track record, including at Enstone.
He will be supported by a Deputy Head of Aerodynamics, who will join in the course of next year from another team. Vince Todd takes on this role on an interim basis until his arrival.
James Rodgers, currently Principal Aerodynamicist in charge of future car projects, is promoted to a new position of Chief Aerodynamicist, responsible for aerodynamic performance development.
“In 2019 we have shown some strengths, but identified areas that needed reinforcement. After a rapid growth of our aerodynamic department and a modernization of our equipment, the strengthening of the management layer of this key department will help us reap the benefits of our investments,” said team principal Cyril Abiteboul. “This is particularly relevant as we enter a very important year in our midterm plan with the 2021 aerodynamic regulations now confirmed.”
“We are delighted to welcome Dirk as Head of Aerodynamics. His proven technical and management skills make him the perfect profile to lead such a large and complex department,” added Renault F1 Team Executive Director Marcin Budkowski. “James has demonstrated a strong ability to generate performance and this new role will enable him to steer the aerodynamic development of all our car projects. These changes are the next step in the restructuring of Renault F1 Team’s Chassis operation in Enstone and I am confident that they will allow us to resume our progress towards the front of the grid.”