Renault have revealed their new car for 2018 – the RS.18.
The team were the second of the day to take the covers off their new car on Tuesday, following shortly after Alfo Romeo Sauber launched their new C37.
Choosing to launch online, the team revealed the 2018 car, sporting a familiar yellow and black livery – tweaked and updated for this year with much more black giving the car a meaner look.
The new car features the now mandatory Halo device, and will be driven by Nico Hulkenberg & Carlos Sainz, who joined the team towards the end of 2017 from Toro Rosso.
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul said that 2018 will see the team aim to build on their 2017 progress, having returned to the sport as a full works team in 2016: “Last year was successful in many ways. It was the second year in our rebuilding and a further step towards our long-term plans and aims. 2016 was all about recruiting, investing, bringing in new sponsors, new talents and building our brand.
Over the past year I’ve seen progression in many areas: ninth to sixth in the standings – in many races we were often the fourth fastest team on the grid. This is a testament to our drive, commitment and adherence to a very ambitious plan.
It was a quantified progression towards what we want to become and challenging the top teams.”
Along with race drivers Hulkenberg and Sainz, British driver Jack Aitken joins as Test & Reserve driver, with Artem Markelov signing as development driver. Abiteboul says he couldn’t be happier with his line-up:
“Last year Nico gave us exactly what we needed with his experience, knowledge and ability to lead both on and off track. Carlos joined us at the end of the season and we thought long and hard about it. A driver change mid-season is difficult from a human side as well as a technical side, but I think it came at the right time and it was well executed. He brought something fresh at the end of the year, and he scored points to help us in the Constructors’ battle. Without that we wouldn’t have finished where we finished.
They have become incredible team members who have built up strong relationships within Renault Sport Formula One Team. Their feedback has been invaluable in honing the Renault R.S.18 and their skill shines every time they exit the garage. They are as committed as we are to getting every last tenth out of the car.
Jack has been nurtured in the Renault Sport Academy so we’ve seen his development over the past couple of years. It is clear he’s a talented young driver and he is ready for this opportunity. He has a full season ahead of him with racing in Formula 2 and fulfilling his Formula 1 commitments. He has the perfect environment to reach his targets and we are keen on seeing him in action.”
