Cyril Abiteboul has become the youngest team principal in Formula One racing at age 35, after being appointed to the job at Caterham.

Caterham said in a statement Abiteboul would take the position with immediate effect, replacing Malaysian businessman Tony Fernades, who remains chairman of the Caterham Group.

The Frenchman has been the team’s chief executive officer since September.

He was formerly deputy managing director of Renault Sport F1.

Renault are Caterham’s engine suppliers.

The team has been in the F1 since 2010 but is yet to win a championship point. The current drivers are Heikki Kovalainen and Vitaly Petrov.

“Cyril is going to be an excellent team principal. He has extensive experience in F1, he is extremely well respected and he shares our vision for what we want our team to achieve,” Fernandes said in the statement.

Abiteboul said: “I am honoured to take over as team principal. We have big challenges ahead of us but the shareholders are committed and behind us to help us take significant steps forward over the coming years, and one day challenge for the highest honours in F1.”