There was a big topic in Suzuka, which riders and teams will deal with long after race on Sunday: The Formula 1 is being shaken by a spy affair. Being: Actually, it’s more of a secret betrayal affair in PEs.
On Friday, Renault announced that it had already been expected in recent days that pole Marcin Budkowski will be responsible for French team’s chassis development in future. A new employee in a company: In ory, this is a good news for first time. In practice, subject is a huge nuisance for nine out of ten teams. Because Budkowski was previously employed as technical director at FIA World Association.
As if David Copperfield betrayed all tricks
If technical director of FIA overflows into a team, n that is indeed more worrying than when Andreas Rettig gives up his position as managing director at DFL and is hired in same position for second Division FC St. Pauli. At DFL, nobody knows such explosive things that he could give a club a competitive advantage. Budkowski at Renault, however, is as if David Copperfield would join a quiz in a magic School for children and n betray all tricks.
From point of view of Renault, Budkowski is man who will significantly promote project, to make team so fast at latest 2020 that it can win races. From point of view of Renault’s competitors, Budkowski is man who knows too much.
“Marcin is privy to most intimate secrets of all teams”
Until two weeks ago, Budkowski at FIA monitored all technical innovations that teams devised. He was one who released innovations after examining small ones, wher y are compatible with regulations. “Marcin is privy to most intimate secrets of all teams,” says Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team leader: “Both past and future. Two weeks ago, this man talked to us about our suspension systems, he was also in our wind tunnel. To expect that he will not use this knowledge is quite naïve. “
At end of September, 40-year-old engineer only has to sit for a three-month curfew at FIA in late October. Then he can start his new job at Renault in British Enstone. This short transitional period actually criticizes all teams. First of all, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff: “This is simply about how long lockout time should be in such cases,” he says. “In industry, this period is at least six months, in many cases even more than 12 months. We have to discuss that. ” The topic will be discussed in next meeting of so-called Strategy Group.
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The FIA apparently looks similar and already has a feeling for Renault, as team boss Cyril Abiteboul confirmed. The date of Budkowskis start of work is refore not yet fixed. “We know that this is a delicate affair. We want to find an appointment that everyone can live with, “says Abiteboul:” At moment it looks like he could start with us at beginning of April. That would be twice its contractual lockout. But that has not yet been decided. “
In April, Budkowski could at least take no more influence on chassis for 2018 season. Unless, of course, he’s been working secretly for Renault before. You can’t control it anyway.
