F1: Renault Reveals 2018 RS18 F1 Challenger

Marking its third year as a standalone outfit, Renault has revealed its 2018 Formula 1 challenger - RS18. The French manufacturer's new F1 car boasts of a bolder black and yellow paint scheme, while the design is an evolution of the 2017 version. Piloting the RS18 will be Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz in the driver's seat, with Sainz taking the seat for the last four races of the 2017 season. Renault made considerable progress in 2017 improving from ninth to sixth place in the 2017 constructors' standings, and the team is expected to improve its ranking further this year.

(The new RS18 builds on the last season's design meeting the new regulations)

The RS18 is Renault's third chassis in F1, since its full works' entry in 2016. Evolving from the 2017 model that saw significant success, the 2018 version gets an improved suspension and greater aerodynamic downforce. The new Halo cockpit device is the biggest visual addition, apart from the absence of the shark fin cover and T-wing to comply with the new regulations.

(Renault had fourth fastest car last season behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull)

Renault's 2017 F1 challenger was the fourth fastest car last season behind Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull, and the team certainly wants to break into the top three this year. The team though won't have it easy, as it will also be facing competition from its customer teams Red Bull and McLaren. The other two teams use the same specification power unit sourced from Renault as the works team.

(Nico Hulkenberg and Carlos Sainz will be piloting the RS18)

Also joining Hulkenberg and Sainz this season will be two new F2 drivers. In a revised four-man roster, Jack Aitken and Artem Markelov will act as the third and reserve driver, and test and development driver respectively. Both the F2 racers are expected to receive testing opportunities over the course of the season. The RS18 will make its track debut when pre-season testing gets underway in Barcelona next week.