ScottB wrote:At the moment, you could make the argument that Formula E is the bigger marketing deal for Renault, at least until / if they become competitive in F1 again.
That being the case, why move Buemi, who is clearly a front running driver in that series, into F1, where he isn't, where he'll go from winning races to occasionally fighting for points?
It just potentially weakens their strength in one series, for no real gain in another.
The best thing they can do just now is keep Kevin, maybe hire an experienced head to help with car development and focus on getting the car to a point where they might be able to tempt someone like Sainz to join in 2018/19.
I still don't understand Buemi's part in all this but I'll leave it. Comparison between F-E and F1 are not helping: leading driver - rare points, what does it matter? As if putting him in F1 would be a favour to this team. IMO no one would put him in F1 car for sporting/performance reasons. He hasn't driven these cars for five years, he'd be competing with those that have, his only team-mate was Alguersuari. Why would aspiring top team hire him?
Sainz: two sides
- One hand: RB contract and it's up to them to extend it.
- Why would they be 'tempting' him as if he's Alonso? Name five races (same for Magnussen) that would indicate that he is capable of copying with top competition in every aspect. I can easily name 10 for Grosjean, many for Perez (with small '?' over Q speed), Bottas or some for Hulkenberg or Maldonado. Yes, he's been more consistent and had solid races but that's not enough. Kvyat benchmark is not particularly strong either. Monaco was good although maybe should have been in front of FI/Hulk. Very good Spain (that's one). Solid race in Canada but after bad crash, slower than Kvyat (mistakes) in Baku Q, good Austria. What else? Before Kvyat's swap - I don't recall great races.
