The Renault Sport Formula One Team proudly revealed its 2017 Formula 1 contender, the R.S.17, at a high-profile launch event in London. The presentation, held in front of international media and key partners, marked a significant milestone for the team’s ongoing journey in Formula 1.
The launch not only showcased the R.S.17’s striking new design but also introduced the team’s refreshed Renault Sport brand identity. This updated look aims to unify the visual language between Renault Sport Racing and Renault Sport Cars, reinforcing the synergy between the brand’s motorsport and road car divisions.
A New Era of Design and Engineering
The R.S.17 is powered by Renault Sport Racing’s latest R.E.17 power unit and represents a complete overhaul from its predecessor. Not a single component has been carried over from the R.S.16, making the R.S.17 the first fully integrated car developed entirely by Renault Sport Racing since the team’s return to F1 as a constructor. It is the product of seamless collaboration between the team’s dual technical bases in Enstone, UK and Viry-Châtillon, France.
Strategic Partnerships and Driver Line-Up
The unveiling also marked the announcement of several new strategic partners, most notably BP, Castrol, and MAPFRE, enhancing the team’s commercial and technological resources heading into the new season.
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Taking centre stage at the event were race drivers Nico Hülkenberg and Jolyon Palmer, who pulled the cover off the R.S.17 to enthusiastic applause. Sergey Sirotkin was also officially introduced as the team’s Third and Reserve Driver for 2017. The team celebrated the moment with the hashtag #RS17Launch to connect fans globally.
Investing in the Future: Renault Sport Academy
Renault Sport Racing reaffirmed its commitment to future talent by announcing the 2017 Renault Sport Academy line-up: Jack Aitken, Max Fewtrell, Jarno Opmeer, and Sun Yue Yang. These young drivers will be supported through a crucial season of development. Aitken will compete in the GP3 Series, while Fewtrell, Opmeer, and Yang will race in the Formula Renault Eurocup, which boasts a historic 30-car grid for 2017.
Executive Insights
Jérôme Stoll, President of Renault Sport Racing, commented:
“The R.S.17 is the first car fully conceived and developed collaboratively by our Enstone and Viry teams. We are proud of the result—it’s not only a technical accomplishment but a beautiful race car. With the added strength of new partners, our momentum continues to build.”
Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director of Renault Sport Racing, added:
“2017 marks a critical step forward. The R.S.17 reflects thousands of hours of integrated development, and we’re confident in both its potential and the team behind it. With Nico and Sergey joining Jolyon, and the support of top-tier sponsors like BP, Castrol, MAPFRE, and SMP Racing, we’ve had one of the most successful sponsorship campaigns in the paddock. We aim to translate this energy into consistent points finishes throughout the season.”
The R.S.17’s debut signals a bold new chapter for Renault Sport Formula One Team, both on and off the track.
