De Beer takes over as head of aerodynamics at Renault

Renault has named Dirk de Beer as its new head of aerodynamics as part of a technical reshuffle at Enstone in anticipation of the 2020 Formula 1 season.

De Beer has been without a role in F1 since leaving Williams six races into the 2018 season, having previously enjoyed stints at Ferrari and Lotus, the team which preceded Renault.

De Beer takes over from Peter Machin, who has left the team by mutual consent with immediate effect.

As per an announcement from Renault, de Beer "will be supported by a Deputy Head of Aerodynamics who will join in the course of next year from another team. Vince Todd takes on this role on an interim basis until his arrival.

"James Rodgers, currently Principal Aerodynamicist in charge of future car projects, is promoted to a new position of Chief Aerodynamicist, responsible for Aerodynamic performance development."

"In 2019 we have shown some strengths, but identified areas that needed reinforcement," said Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul.

"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.”

Renault F1 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 Team’s Chassis operation in Enstone and I am confident that they will allow us to resume our progress towards the front of the grid."