Marcin Budkowski Confirmed for Renault in 2018

The Renault F1 team has officially confirmed that former FIA technical and sporting co-ordinator Marcin Budkowski will join the team in 2018. Cyril Abiteboul said Budkowski’s arrival will help drive Renault’s bid to become one of F1’s top teams by 2020. “It was clear that the Renault Sport Racing management structure needed reinforcing,” Abiteboul explained. “Marcin’s mission will be to continue the strengthening of Enstone to enable Renault to join the top Formula 1 teams by 2020, through relying on the proven personnel of the likes of Bob Bell, Nick Chester and Rob White.

Abiteboul continued “Marcin’s arrival is excellent news and further proof of our determination to achieve our goals. There have been a lot of positive changes these last few months at Renault Sport Racing with an accelerated expansion at Enstone. The restructuring of our engine deployment from Viry with the supply of two top customer teams for 2018. Three titles in a row in an increasingly competitive Formula E championship and other motor racing categories. And the arrival of new strategic partners. All of this is happening in a context where the seasons are longer and more intense.”

A number of teams were unhappy about this piece of news because they felt that Renault would have a significant advantage. As a technical and sporting director, Budkowski is privy to information from all F1 teams. Rival teams fear that Renault may exploit this opportunity to develop their cars and dominate the field next year. Budkowski confirmed his resignation in the buildup to the Malaysian GP. The FIA placed him on ‘gardening leave’ for a period of 3 months. Teams were concerned about the Pole’s future plans and where he could end up next year.