Newly-appointed Renault CEO Luca de Meo is very supportive of the company’s involvement in motorsport, according to Formula 1 team boss Cyril Abiteboul, which he has described as a “game-changer” for the future of the team.
De Meo took up the position just last month after quitting the Volkswagen Group, where he held the position of president at SEAT.
Abiteboul revealed last weekend that de Meo – who was present at the Spanish GP – is “passionate” about motorsport and has expressed support of Renault’s involvement in F1, which he believes will help the team in the long-run.
“Clearly the great news is that in Luca de Meo we have a CEO that is really passionate and enthusiastic about cars, about the product, about sports cars and about motor racing,” declared Abiteboul.
“Clearly that’s something that’s going to be a game-changer for all of us in Renault and also for myself.”
Abiteboul though knows that the team will have to meet its target of winning races in the next few seasons to meet de Meo’s expectations – something it has so far failed to do since returning the sport in 2016.
“He’s been a great person that I’ve been able to personally engage,” he added. “He knows the goal of the team, he knows the team situation.
“He’s here on the long run. He fully appreciates what’s being done, and measures also what we are doing with the level of resources that we have – because I think he has a better understanding and knowledge of the sport, which is a good thing for all of us.
“But he also has clear expectations, not just for the racing team but also for the way the racing team will play a role in Renault’s long term strategy – and I think that’s what matters the most.”
Just this week all 10 Formula 1 teams have signed a new Concorde Agreement, binding them to the sport until at least 2025.
