Renault not flinching over Budkowski controversy

Renault is standing firm over criticism in its attempts to bring former FIA technical chief Marcin Budkowski to the team. The bosses of F1 have been meeting to discuss the proposed deal that will see Budkowski take up a major role within the Renault team.

Budkowski has had access to all the team's wind tunnels and has been provided insightful details about next year's aero packages. Budkowski recently stepped down from his FIA role and placed on a three-month gardening leave under Swiss law.

Mercedes, Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams and Force India have all made contact with Formula 1's CEO Chase Carey in an attempt to block the move from going ahead. Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul has defended the team's tactics, claiming that they aren't in F1 to make friends.

"We want to be one of the top teams by 2020," Abiteboul told Sky. "It is at one time far away, but given we know what needs to be done, if you look at the 1.0-1.5 second gap between the midfield and the top teams, it is a big jump.

"And that is why we need to be aggressive in what we do to be there by 2020. In this sport, you are not here to make friends. Obviously there are ways to do things, and anything we do in terms of recruitment – not necessarily Marcin – we need to grow, Enstone needs badly to grow.

"When we took the place it was 475 people, it is now 620 people," the Fenchman added. "There is no secret that those people need to come from somewhere, and we have to go chasing from some of the other teams. So whatever we will do, we will make sure that it is done in a very loyal way and a very fair way to our competitors."

Fergal Walsh