Renault F1 Team has announced changes within its aerodynamics department with the hiring of Dirk de Beer, while promoting James Rodgers.
Earlier in the year, Renault released details about creating three new positions to better prepare for the 2021 F1 season. To further strengthen their work, the Frenchman manufacturer has announced fresh hiring in their aerodynamics department.
They have taken ex-Williams personnel de Beer as the team’s new Head of Aerodymanics, as he returns to Enstone after leaving the Grove-based team last year. He will replace Peter Machin, who has left the team by mutual agreement and immediate effect.
De Beer will be supported by a Deputy Head of Aerodynamics, who will join Renault in 2020 from another team. For the time being, Vince Todd will take up the role in an interim basis. In addition, they have also promoted Rodgers to Chief Aerodynamicist.
He was working as a Principal Aerodynamicist currently with the French manufacturer. Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “In 2019 we have shown some strengths, but identified areas that needed reinforcement.
“After a rapid growth of our aerodynamic department and a modernisation of our equipment, the strengthening of the management layer of this key department will help us reap the benefits of our investments.
“This is particularly relevant as we enter a very important year in our midterm plan with the 2021 aerodynamic regulations now confirmed.” At the same time Executive Director Marcin Budkowski, added: “We are delighted to welcome Dirk as Head of Aerodynamics.
“His proven technical and management skills make him the perfect profile to lead such a large and complex department. James has demonstrated a strong ability to generate performance and this new role will enable him to steer the aerodynamic development of all our car projects.
“These changes are the next step in the restructuring of Renault F1’s Chassis operation in Enstone and I am confident that they will allow us to resume our progress towards the front of the grid.”