PARIS: Jérôme Stoll, president of Renault Sport Racing since 2016 and the return of Renault as a complete team, will step down at the end of his term on December 31.
Stoll’s departure comes as the team prepares to rebrand itself as Alpine in 2021. He had intended to retire at the end of 2018, but was asked to stay on when his replacement Thierry Koskas left Renault before taking up the position.
The French automotive manufacturer’s commitment to F1 continued with the signing of the new Concorde Agreement this year, with the team to be re-named Alpine after one of its other brands, and Stoll – who was in charge of all racing activities on top of F1 – will now move on when his term finishes at the end of 2020, racer.com reports.
Stoll commented: “These 5 years as president of Renault Sport Racing have been extremely intense. Meeting the challenge of rebuilding a Formula 1 team is difficult, it takes time, commitment and unwavering determination. A first step has been taken with a team and drivers who can now be seen on the podiums. I appreciate the privilege that has been mine to be a part of all these changes and all of our progress. Motorsport and even more Formula 1, is above all a human adventure, encounters, bonds that are forged, joys, disappointments and inestimable rewards. The titles won in Formula E and seeing our cars driven by young drivers in Eurocup or Clio Cup are an integral part of these beautiful emotions. I am indebted to all the members of this company, they are committed and determined to give the best to promote our brand and our values. A new page now opens with the arrival of Alpine, the best is yet to come I’m sure. I am happy and proud to have taken part in this great adventure with great people.”
Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault, said: “Jérôme’s attachment to the company and his conviction that motorsport is part of the brand’s DNA have contributed to Renault’s return to Formula 1 as a complete team. His experience and expertise, acquired during his career at Renault, have been key assets in the structuring and progress of our F1 team. For all this work accomplished over the past 5 years, thank you Jérôme.”
Renault Sport managing director Cyril Abiteboul added: “Together from the start of the project in June 2015 to the podiums of this season, what a long way we have come. Jérôme’s passion for competition, as well as his loyalty to the team, the women and men who make it up, have been of great help over the years. His support and his strategic vision have made it possible to overcome many obstacles and advance our ideas in an increasingly complex environment. Today, a new adventure begins with Alpine and the F1 team will be a major asset for the development of the brand. Thank you Jérôme for your trust, your advice and your loyalty. ”
At the end of 2015, when Renault made the decision to return to Formula 1, the objective was clearly defined, to rebuild a structure and put it on the right path, then in a second step to reach the best level of the discipline and compete for the world title. Over the past 5 years, a reinforced and stabilized organization has been deployed, human, technical and financial resources to match the ambitions have been put in place. During this period of 5 years, many changes have also been made.
With a record of points in 2020, 3 podiums and an average of points per GP twice as high as last season, Renault DP World F1 Team is having its best season, continues to progress and is positioned as a credible challenger for the future.
Renault Sport Racing also won in Formula E, three constructor titles with the Renault e-dams team and a driver’s title with Sébastien Buemi before handing over to Nissan while keeping the powertrain development activities. Finally, Customer Competition activities have developed to remain a benchmark.
