“I don’t think our model is much different to a McLaren model” – Racing Point team principal Otmar Szafnauer has rejected Renault’s argument that they are a ‘copying’ team.
Racing Point had a rather unfortunate last year in F1 before it morphs into Aston Martin. They were docked 15 points for allegedly obtaining brake ducts from partners Mercedes illegally. This had a bearing on the overall standings, with them conceding third place to McLaren.
After McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul suggested that Racing Point has a model of predominantly buying/copying, Otmar Szafnauer swiftly rejected the argument. Unlike Renault, which has manufacturing capacity of its own being an automobile giant, Szafnauer suggested Racing Point is not very different from a McLaren.
“Although we don’t have the manufacturing capability of some of the others, we do have design and development capability and we mustn’t forget that – very similar to McLaren – when we were renting a Toyota windtunnel it was as capable.”
“We had 400 people designing and developing everything and with that, we finished fourth in the championship twice. With our financial capability now, and growing, we should be able to compete with those in the midfield and maybe even move up. But I don’t think our model is much different to a McLaren model.”
Racing Point confident of successor Aston Martin
Szafnauer also highlighted the significant hiring taking place in their manufacturing, design, and development departments. And with automobile giant Aston Martin taking over, with engine support from Mercedes continuing, 2021 could be a watershed year for the Silverstone-based outfit.
“We continue to hire people, expand our manufacturing capability, expand our design and development capability. We started at a smaller base than some of the others but with Aston Martin coming in, we, too, are growing and will right-size the business.”
“I think we’re going to grow by another 20 to 30 percent and we, too, will work hard to design, develop and construct our own car, to do the best we can.”
Also read: “It’s a bit sad leaving the team this way”- Sergio Perez on his last race debacle for Racing Point
