Yes you make some very good points about their copying philosophy. To also add Renault for years not just in the chassis era but the engine era going back to 2015 had the philosophy we are Renault we can do more with less.godlameroso wrote: ↑14 Jan 2021, 03:54The letting go of Abeitboul is part of a deeper restructuring. Renault has been trying to cut costs and corners the whole way, they essentially took the stay behind and copy route. The end result of copying others was them gaining the insights but not the engineering involved in ironing out the kinks. For one reason or another they've always been behind the others, because copying others is easier than making it yourself. I suppose whatever philosophy was driving the Renault engine program had a let's catch up instead of lead the way as it's probably more cost effective. This is not the philosophy of a winner, that's the philosophy of a midfielder. Hiring Budkowski someone who knew what everyone was doing with their engines screams a we rather copy that innovate.
Recently Renault has changed its philosophy, they want to increase investment in their engines, and to change philosophy requires restructuring. Similar to how McLaren had to restructure in order to change its philosophy.
Red Bull was rightly pissed because their philosophy is push the limits of innovation in every FASTENER, while Renault is a let's be mediocre because we want to save money.
Berger was even back then complaining saying Renault engine division had 1/3 the budget, 1/3 the staff, very outdated, primitive equipment/dynos etc.
And Cyril back even in 2015 when they had the engine arguments every week with Horner kept harping on that Renault can compete like this as they can do more with less. It was evident it was not possible then nor now.
Renault seems to have had this philosophy but so did Cyril as he agreed and enabled this philosophy of we can do more with less. Doing more with slightly less is possible sure. Similar equipment but slightly less budget for example. But not massively less with 1/3 the budget of Merc and with outdated equipment so there is a big difference when Cyril/Renault talks about doing more with less.
Contrast this to Siedl who as soon as he joined Mclaren never once said he can do more with less. He said we can never compete with Mercedes until we close the massive infrastructure deficit, simulator deficit and build a new wind tunnel. He was realistic and management listened to him. He made it very clear from day 1 its impossible to compete and do more with less infrastructure especially. And now they have a plan to fix this issue over the next few years. Seidl is a top manager, Cyril from day 1 proved he is not on a level of a top manager. He was aiming to fight for the championship with Merc after 3 years even with his plan/budget which is impossible. Renault after 5 years in 2020 ended up 5th and even that was lucky as Ferrari got caught out with the engine issues otherwise if Ferrari was there every race like they were from 2015-2019 Renault would have been behind Ferrari in 6th and likely zero podiums.
Hopefully the new management can push Renault forward!
