The Renault Formula 1 team have confirmed that Technical Director Nick Chester has left the team with immediate effect.
Renault have confirmed that Nick Chester, the team’s Technical Director, is to leave the team with immediate effect. Chester will now go on gardening leave until the end of his contract.
Former McLaren and Ferrari man Pat Fry is confirmed as joining Renault for 2020, although the exact date of him starting with Enstone is yet to be confirmed.
Chester was a stalwart of the Enstone team, having joined them back in 2000 when they were Benetton. He has worked in various roles with Benetton and through their first iteration as Renault between 2003 and 2010.He became Engineering Director in 2011, and helped out with the design of the race-winning 2012 & 2013 E20 & E21. He became Technical Director in 2013, and designed every car from Enstone since then.
“I have enjoyed 19 years in a team with great spirit and have worked with an incredibly loyal and talented group of people.” said Chester in a statement. “I am looking forward to a new challenge and wish everybody in the team all the best for the future.”
“Nick has been a key part of Enstone for almost 20 years.” said Renault team boss Cyril Abiteboul. “His passion for the team has never wavered, despite experiencing some extremely challenging times. More recently, his commitment, technical insight and enthusiasm have inspired us to move from the back of the grid to the front of the midfield. We would like to sincerely thank Nick for everything and wish him every success in the next stage of his career.”
The news comes not long after Renault also announced changes to their aero department. Head of Aero Peter Machin has left the team by mutual agreement, and is replaced by Dirk De Beer.
