Renault Sport F1 making significant steps forward with new staff

Renault Sport F1 continues to bolster its technical team after naming former Red Bull Racing man Pete Machin as its new Head of Aerodynamics.

Machin worked at Bombardier, Arrows and then Jaguar Racing before becoming a key player at Red Bull under Adrian Newey, and he was closely involved in the cars that won the 2010-13 World Championships. He will officially start work on July 3.

Renault Sport boss Cyril Abiteboul noted that Machin’s appointment is a significant step for the team.

“Aerodynamics are obviously a hugely important element of the performance equation so to enlist Pete is a particular highlight of our recent recruitment program,” said Abiteboul. “The latest generation of regulations are, if anything, more aero-crucial than before, so to have Pete join us at such a time of exciting evolution will be of the greatest benefit. Pete will fit into our existing structure and we expect to see the fruits of his labors come on stream later in the year.”

Machin added: “Bob Bell headed-up the technical team when Renault last won World Championships as a constructor, so I’m very much looking forward to working with him in my new role with that same achievement as the target. I have previously worked closely with both Nick Chester and Ciaron Pilbeam too, so I have good familiarity with some key personnel as well as the aspirations.

“The technical regulation changes for 2017 are the first significant change in four years and will allow F1 cars to achieve greater downforce than at any other time in the history of the sport, so it’s a very exciting time to be taking charge of aero development at Renault Sport Racing and I am confident in getting the team back to the sharp end of the grid.”