Formula 1: Has Renault become a toxic work environment?

With the turmoil of the Formula 1 offseason in full swing, is it time to recognize that Renault might have developed a toxic work environment?

It would only be fitting for the 2020-2021 Formula 1 Silly Season to match the insanity that has engrossed the world. Mainstays of the sport, Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel, have both left their respective teams and are set to face differing futures after this year.

Ricciardo has announced the exciting switch to McLaren to pair up with the young energetic Lando Norris and replace Carlos Sainz Jr. while Sebastian Vettel could be saying Auf Wiedersehen to the Formula 1 circus after departing from Ferrari, where Sainz is set to replace him.

While Ricciardo’s move is viewed as a significant win, is there more to be seen from his time at Renault?

More from Formula One

At its core, a Formula 1 team is a business that sets a budget and tries to perform to achieve the best result. Every race weekend, we see the drivers, the pit crew and the strategists on the stand, and we sometimes forget that behind them are the ones making the big decisions and “paying the bills”, so to speak. But what happens when a Formula 1 team develops a toxic work environment?

In business, we might see a toxic work environment in the way of a heavy-handed boss cracking down on employees in an unnecessary manner or not allowing for any freedom for an employee to do their job. A toxic work environment could also take place in the form of upper management encouraging unethical behavior in order to increase the chances of better results. Formula 1 teams are not exempt from these actions, as every business, or team, has its own culture.

Renault have competed in Formula 1 since 1977 and had their golden age from 1981 to 1983 with the likes of Alain Prost, Rene Arnoux and Eddie Cheever driving the quick but often unreliable machines of the V6 turbo era.

Fast forward to 2005 and 2006 when Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella helped bring home world constructor championships, with Alonso winning both driver championships.

Since then, it has been tough for Renault. They experienced a scandal when the accusation was made that Nelson Piquet Jr. had crashed in the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix in an effort to assist teammate Alonso. Those deemed responsible were fired, but the stain of unethical behavior is difficult to rebuild from in any setting.

Next comes the string of drivers who have experienced stints with Renault, only to move on and find homes elsewhere. Most recently and notably is Ricciardo, who has shown to have pace and nearly unmatched overtaking abilities. He was tempted to join Renault with the promise of money, a leading role and a competitive car.

In 2019, Ricciardo totaled four retirements and finished outside of the points nine additional times. With 54 points on eight points finishes, he finished in ninth place in the driver standings.

In 2018 when he drove for Red Bull Racing, Ricciardo suffered eight retirements but scored points in each of the other 13 races. He won twice and managed to finish in sixth place in the driver standings with 170 points.

Ricciardo’s departure to McLaren for 2021 was made official on Thursday, May 14, and Renault have not yet named his replacement. Vettel has already reacted to his Ferrari departure by hinting that he would drive for a title competitor or not at all, which serves as a subtle way of saying “not Renault”.

Would he, or anybody, get along well with managing director Cyril Abiteboul anyway?

Aside of Ricciardo, Renault have seen Kevin Magnussen move on to become the debated lead driver at Haas, Sainz move on to McLaren and now to Ferrari, and the incredibly reliable Nico Hulkenburg dumped to bring in young frenchman Esteban Ocon.

For a team that claims to be aiming to challenge the top competitors, the glaring items above hint to a toxic work environment or culture. The finances to fund a successful Formula 1 team are there as well as the experience required to win. With drivers coming and going at a more rapid pace, is it time to look into the structure of the team itself?

dark. Next. 5 drivers who could be the next champion not named Lewis Hamilton

When the 2020 Formula 1 season gets underway, we might find out more. But until then, Renault have one confirmed driver for next year and many questions to answer. It won’t be long before the fingers start getting raised at the managers instead of the employees.

Home/Formula One