Renault takes wraps off of 2018 F1 car

Renault Sport F1 have unveiled their new R.S.18 car, designed to compete in the 2018 Formula One season. The French car manufacturer puts its hopes on the new chassis and upgraded power unit to move the team upward the grid.

The R.S.18 is essentially the second car designed by Renault F1 since their official return as manufacturer to F1. It is set to improve the team's chances with improved power unit reliability, while on the chassis side, more and more people are being hired at Enstone to increase development, clawing back from a disadvantage the team had build up following financial issues and layoffs under its previous owner.

The car was revealed on twitter initially, in a "holographic" video, but showed little more details than its new livery. This features more black and brighter yellow, bot overall retains Renault's core black and yellow colour setting.

Jérôme Stoll, President of Renault Sport had nothing but positive words at the official start of the team's 2018 season.

"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. 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%. At Viry, our long-term commitment in several motorsport categories allows to develop a detailed plan for our facilities.

"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.

"We are equally satisfied with the results we are seeing off-track. Formula 1’s new owners, have developed various marketing initiatives that have enabled the sport to grow into an even bigger brand and engage more closely with fans; steps forward which are incredibly important for us as the only mass market car constructor in the sport."