Phil wrote: ↑15 Mar 2019, 15:48
No one is complaining about the "players" doing what the rules allow them to. Neither is Renault. Renault is blaming "the game" and that is something the regulator can/might correct if they see the merit behind it.
I just think that instead of pointing fingers at Renault for whinging and crying, one should take some time to reflect on what they are really complaining about and if the argument behind it has merits or not. E.g. not only think as far as their failings this year but take into account where this "trend" is heading and with what kind of sport we will be left with if it continues.
If you remember, even Mercedes was raising concerns to the level of cooperation between Haas and Ferrari not too long ago (pre 2017 I think). The only difference between them and Renault is that Mercedes already has struggling partners (Williams and Racing Point) so effectively is one-leg ahead of Renault in building their own junior teams. For Renault it's not that easy; Their only customer is probably as big and more experienced then themselves (sans PU division)!
Part of me agrees with what you say. I would like to see a return (?) to one team one car, but then has it ever been so?
One time it was possible to buy a car from a team and enter it as a private, and I seem to remember the racing being at least as good then. Even to the point of having to use pre-qualifying to keep the numbers sensible.
Every team buys in some parts, and the line has to be drawn somewhere. If it was ruled that every part had to be made in house, I doubt any team would be capable, even at really stupid spend rates. What about engines? Same thing, you build your own or take from someone else.
I think it is about right as it is, but appreciate not everyone is happy.
When arguing with a fool, be sure the other person is not doing the same thing.