The downfall of Renault
Renault returned to Formula 1 in 2002 after departing from the sport in 1985. The team initially started back in 1977 but never made it to the top during its first phase in the team. For 8 years, Renault struggled to win major titles, however the best performance
by the team was in 1983 when Alain Prost and EM Cheever gave the team a 2nd place finish in the constructors’ championship. The legendary Alain Prost stayed in Renault for 3 years and during these 3 years, Renault did not finish under 3rd
place in the constructors’ championship but did not win a drivers’ title during this time.
Renault was never a back running team either as the team has rather been the best of the rest during most of its time in Formula 1. After Renault returned to Formula 1 in 2002, hopes were at their peak as the team finished twice in 4th place in
the constructors’ standings in the years 2002 and 2003. However, 2003 was a lucky year for Renault as they signed a driver that turned out to be the future of Formula 1 and a world champion. Fernando Alonso helped Renault to the 3rd place in the
2004 season before surprising the Formula 1 universe with a dominating performance in 2005 to win the title just at the age of 24 years.
The Spaniard was the only driver to beat the legendary Michael Schumacher during his peak time after 5 consecutive titles. Renault won the constructors’ title well ahead of Ferrari and the team managed to maintain its momentum the following year to win their
second consecutive titles. This was a shocking result for the team and many believe that Fernando Alonso was the main reason behind Renault’s success as he helped the team in every aspect of the sport. Fernando was the face of Renault and his name will always
stick with the team, as he was the first and only driver to help the team win.
The two-time world champion decided to leave Renault in 2007, as he wanted to join his dream team McLaren. Renault was never able to perform up to the mark after his departure as the team finished in 3rd place behind McLaren in 2nd and Ferrari
in 1st place. Renault accepted Fernando Alonso once again in 2008 after he was forced to leave McLaren due to some personal conflicts with the team. However, Renault was never the same again and this time, Alonso was not able to do anything.
Renault finished in 4th and 8th place in the years 2008 and 2009 respectively. Alonso performed very well in some races even though he did not have the best car on the grid and was struggling throughout the year. Former team boss Flavio
Briatore was involved in a “crashgate” scandal in 2008 and after his hearings with the FIA, was forced to leave Formula 1 and has been banned until 2013. He was known as the brains of Renault. However, the team had to proceed without him and the difference
was felt, as the team finished in 8th the following year.
The 2010 season has been comparatively better than the 2009 season for Renault as they are currently in 5th place with 133 points and Robert Kubica has been quite consistent. However, his teammate Vitaly Petrov has not been quite helpful this
year.
Renault, a team that won both championships, dominated Formula 1 for 2 years consecutively being the only team to beat the team of Ferrari and Michael Schumacher during their peak time, are just one of the back runners now. It is sad to see how teams have
declined in the past decade with similar declines of Williams and Sauber. Renault hopes to come back another year and win both titles once again like they did once back in the 2005 and 2006.
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