The secrets behind the new Renault F1 livery

Artistic director, Jon Woods, has reconciled commercial and aesthetic imperatives in the new ING Renault F1 Team identity. Woods has been responsible for the graphic identity of the Renault F1 Team for several years now. Whether it is the single-seaters’ livery, those of the trucks, mechanics’ uniforms, drivers’ suits, press packs or pit walls, he is everywhere. Jon and his assistant Paul Allen look after every aspect of the team’s image and ensure its homogeneity.

When he learned the identity of the team’s new title sponsor he immediately got down to work. His aim was to come up with a livery for the R27 that was the best compromise between the commercial and aesthetic agreements. “Luckily, at Renault we’re not as rigid as some of the other teams,” Woods said. “Our partners are not obliged to follow a precise graphic chart. We adapt completely to their needs and we can create a bespoke identity.”

It soon became apparent that not three but four main colours had to be combined. “In addition to yellow, Renault’s historic colour, we had to include orange, white and dark blue,” Jon continued. “First of all I worked on my computer in two dimensions. Then I was able to have a look at the wind tunnel model and 3D plans from the design office. It’s very important to have an exact idea of the final result from every angle.” A little over a month’s work was necessary to come up with the R27’s livery. “We also had to ensure that the colours would provide a powerful visual impact on television. We photographed and filmed them to get the best possible result.” Looking at the R27 up close you can see a major difference in relation to the 2006 car: this year the paint used is metallic. It’s not ideal for the weight (the paint and stickers come to just under 4 kilos) but the design office accepted this compromise.

This winter Jon Woods designed no fewer than four different liveries. Two were initially chosen with the agreement of ING before the final one was selected in the last meeting. “And, when the choice was made, that was when the work really began!” quipped Jon. With the worldwide launch only a few days away the decoration of the first car had not even started. All the support materials too still had to be done. Jon is certainly burning the midnight oil at the moment!