Renault pulls covers off R.S.18 F1 car

Renault Sport F1 has revealed its new Formula 1 car, the R.S.18, at its Enstone headquarters in preparation for the 2018 season.

The French manufacturer is gearing up for its third year as a fully-fledged factory squad after taking over Lotus at the start of 2016 and retains Nico Hulkenberg alongside Carlos Sainz who joins on loan from Red Bull.

The two-time F1 world champions secured sixth place in the world constructors’ championship last year, leapfrogging Toro Rosso in the final race of the year, as it maintains its long-term plan to return to fighting for titles.

With Renault eager to push on with its upward momentum team boss Cyril Abiteboul reached an agreement with Red Bull to take Sainz on a loan deal for 2018 to strengthen its driver line-up next to Hulkenberg, while intensive developments are also ongoing at its Enstone factory to improve its facilities in preparation for 2018.

Renault commences its new power unit supplier deal to McLaren this year after ending its Toro Rosso partnership last year. Renault will also continue to supply engines to Red Bull for 2018. Renault power helped Red Bull secure three race wins in 2017, to demonstrate the French factory’s capabilities, as it focuses on getting its overall package to the match the level of the F1 title-contending squads.

“Renault Sport Formula One Team’s ambition is clearly to uphold the outstanding record of the past and the 2017 season has confirmed we are on the right track,” Jérôme Stoll, Renault Sport Racing President, said. “We are a team on the rise. We have two very talented drivers who are hungry for results. Enstone is regenerated and the workforce has already increased by more than 35%. Our investment has so far been successfully translated to the track as we rose from ninth to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship in 2017 and ended the year with the fourth fastest car.

“The success of the programme in just two years is testament to the resilient plan laid down early in the creation of the team and the strong job done by Cyril and the entire Renault Sport Racing teams. I am convinced year three will take us one step closer to the long-term aim: winning races and challenging for championships.”

Keeping its prominent yellow and black colour scheme for 2018 – fitting into Renault’s broader branding image – the French manufacturer has become the fifth F1 team to unveil its new car after Haas, Williams, Red Bull and Alfa Romeo Sauber.

To all our fans, to those who slave away at weekends building plastic pyramids, who tweet us every day, who like, who RT, who follow... This one's for you. Here is our new Renault R.S.18 in all its holographic glory. Enjoy! #LaRS18IsComing #RS18 #RSspirit pic.twitter.com/w1rnJD8CY9

— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) February 20, 2018