Renault reveals 2017 F1 challenger dubbed RS17; features wider tyres re-shaped rear wing and thumb-tip nose design prompted by revised regulations
Following the unveil of Williams and Sauber’s 2017 challengers, Renault has lifted the curtains off its RS17 at an event in London. Wearing a traditional yellow livery, subtle revisions meant the new F1 machine has plenty of black colour applied to it compared to its predecessor.
The legendary four-time world champion, Alain Prost, attended the launch as a special advisor for the team. He assesses that the new generation of wider F1 cars reminded him of the golden era in the 70s and 80s and will put the thorough emphasis back to the drivers.
Pertaining to the revised regulations for this year, the re-worked rear wing and the thumb-tip nose design standing identical to the other two cars revealed so far. It also boasts a stunning shark fin which is expected to be a mandatory element this year. Underneath the engine bay, the RS17 gets power from the new RE17 engine that has undergone several radical design changes.
Amidst much anticipation, Renault’s return to F1 as fully-fledged factory team, after taking over Lotus, was an utter despair as it finished ninth scoring just eight points. In the ever unpredictable F1 environment, Renault had to spend huge time in restructuring as Team Principal Fred Vasseur parted ways in January pointing at disputes with senior management.
The French manufacturer’s recent recruit was former Red Bull Racing employee Pete Machin as head of aerodynamics. The former Force India driver Nico Hulkenberg, who replaces Kevin Magnussen, will be pairing with Jolyon Palmer hoping for big things. There has been a huge investment in staff since the team returned to the sport and is said to be in perfect harmony with one fourth increase in personnel count.
Sergey Sirotkin has been elevated to the third and reserve driver’s role for 2017. Signed as a tester last year, he completed GP2 in third position for the second season running.
2017 Renault RS17 Images
Image Credits: Renault