Renault has become the fifth team to launch their car ahead of the new Formula 1 season, unveiling the R.S.18 on Tuesday.
The French manufacturer enjoyed a much stronger second year back as a works team in 2017, moving up from the back of the grid to regularly challenging Force India as the top midfield team.
Struggles for Jolyon Palmer and poor reliability, however, meant the Enstone-based team only just beat Toro Rosso to sixth in the constructors’ championship at the finale in Abu Dhabi and ensuring a competitive engine is the main aim for this season.
Gallrery: Renault R.S.18 launch
Managing director Cyril Abiteboul has continually played down expectations for 2018, considering it as the final year of rebuilding before they can regularly challenge the top three teams for wins.
This year, Renault also faces the prospect of being the least competitive of the three teams using their engine, with Red Bull still a step or two ahead but also now McLaren hoping a switch from Honda can vault them back into contention.
Late last year, Carlos Sainz was drafted in alongside the always dependable Nico Hulkenberg with the Spaniard on loan from the Red Bull program. Together the two drivers form a very strong line-up which will look to take on the likes of Force India and Williams for top midfield honours.
