Formula 1: The major issue that Renault have failed to acknowledge

As a lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast who’s seen the ebb and flow of teams over the decades, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of nostalgia when I think about Renault. They’ve been a staple of the sport for so long, much like the comforting aroma of my grandmother’s Sunday roast. But just as that familiar scent can mask a burnt casserole, Renault’s history seems to be hiding an engine performance issue that‘s been simmering since 2014.

Historically, Renault is among the most prominent teams in Formula 1, standing alongside giants like Williams and Ferrari. However, their influence in the sport has gradually waned due to Alpine’s recent underperformance. Additionally, some customer teams have chosen to switch from Renault engines to others more recently.

In the hybrid era, which started in 2014, Renault’s engine production for racing teams has consistently fallen short of the high standards set by other teams. Teams like Williams, Red Bull, and McLaren have seen greater success after switching to engines provided by Mercedes, Honda, and Mercedes.

Although the French engine manufacturer’s reputation has gradually declined to a point where some suggest Alpine should be sold, Renault remains adamant about keeping ownership. However, despite surpassing their engine production targets for the 2026 regulation period, Renault appears to be overlooking a crucial detail.

Teams have lost trust in Renault.

As a devoted racing enthusiast, I find myself reflecting on the upcoming shift in Formula One engine suppliers. For over two decades, four teams have relied on Renault engines during the turbo hybrid era, but come 2026, it seems that this partnership may be coming to an end. A dip in performance and power has led Renault to consider withdrawing from the grid entirely, which would mark a significant milestone – the first time in two decades that no team is using a Renault engine. Even Alpine, traditionally a Renault-powered team, seems poised to switch to Mercedes engines. Quite an intriguing turn of events!

Williams serve as an excellent demonstration of significant advancement following their switch from Renault. As a customer team during the 2012 and 2013 seasons, they made a move to Mercedes at the onset of the turbo hybrid era. Almost instantly, the team transformed from one of the poorest performers on the grid into one of the strongest, achieving two podium finishes and four top-five results between 2014 and 2017.

Although Renault couldn’t match up to the exceptional level set by Red Bull, even though Red Bull had won four consecutive championships with a Renault engine during the early 2010s. Christian Horner sought for more, aiming to surpass Mercedes’ dominance in the hybrid era and reclaim the world champion title once more for Red Bull.

In 2019, I made the move to Honda, and it turned out to be a game-changer for Red Bull Racing! We quickly constructed a formidable car that gave us the edge to challenge Mercedes. The proof is in the pudding – Max Verstappen has reigned supreme with three consecutive World Championships, while Red Bull has claimed two back-to-back Constructors’ Titles. What a ride it’s been!

Currently, McLaren – who last claimed a constructor championship in 1998 – now occupy the leading position, thanks to their partnership with Mercedes engines.

While Renault continues to claim control over Alpine, there’s still a possibility that the team could be put up for sale. This is because Renault has decided to cease production of its racing engines entirely. If Alpine manages to perform exceptionally well in 2026 using a Mercedes engine, it would undoubtedly create an unfavorable image for Renault, as their perceived hindrance of team performance due to their engines would become even more pronounced.

2024-10-08 13:32