Renault Debuts New F1 Challenger

By Adam Tate, Associate Editor

Renault Sport Formula One Team debuted their newest F1 challenger today, dubbed the RS18.

It features a sinister, mostly black livery that somewhat disguises a clear evolution of their 2017 car, the RS17. That car finished last season as the fourth fastest machine in the hands of late addition Carlos Sainz and team leader Nico Hulkenberg.

With that in mind the immediate future looks bright, but with McLaren widely expected to take a major leap forward the fight for the best of the rest which Renault briefly lead in late 2017 will become more difficult than ever.

Cyril Abiteboul, managing director of Renault Sport Formula One Team, addressed the topic at the unveiling today and spun it into a positive for the Enstone outfits third season back in F1 as a full fledged manufacturer.

“It’s an honor to supply to teams as big as Red Bull and McLaren and is a recognition of the quality of our product and work that they have chosen Renault,” said Abiteboul.

“Of course, they are very strong competitors and that’s an extra challenge and motivation. They will clearly be our benchmarks for performance this season.”

For Hulkenberg, there is a lot of motivation behind the work put into the newest car.

“When I have visited Enstone and seen everything going on with the development of the R.S.18 I’m very enthused about the season ahead,” said Hulkenberg.

“Add that to the news from Viry about the development of the power unit and everything looks and sounds good; it’s all positive and there are exciting times ahead. I’m feeling positive and optimistic in myself. We’re in a good position. For this year we want to build on the good platform of last season. 2017 was about bedding in, now I want to get ready to go.

“I get a good feeling, we have put the work in over the winter and hard work usually pays off. I’m eager to get out there. Put me in the car.”