Renault RS01
First turbocharged car in F1. Retired from its only race but changed F1 forever.
Renault EF1 1.5L Turbo V6 · 510 HP
Renault RS01 — Full Analysis
The Renault RS01 is one of the most significant Formula 1 cars in Renault\'s history. Introduced in 1977, this car represented Renault\'s technical philosophy of the era, combining Renault EF1 1.5L Turbo V6 power with aerodynamic development that reflected the regulations and competitive landscape of the time.
Powered by the Renault EF1 1.5L Turbo V6 producing 510 HP, the Renault RS01 competed in 1 races. First turbocharged car in F1. Retired from its only race but changed F1 forever.
The car weighed 595 kg and was capable of reaching 295 km/h on the fastest circuits. The Renault RS01 was a product of its era — the technical regulations, tyre compounds, and competitive environment all shaped its design and development.
Renault\'s engineering team worked extensively on the Renault RS01\'s aerodynamic package, seeking to maximise downforce while minimising drag. The car\'s suspension setup was carefully calibrated to work with the tyres of the era, and the engine installation was optimised for both performance and reliability. The Renault RS01 represents a chapter in Renault\'s long Formula 1 history — a history that spans 31 seasons and includes 2 Constructors\' Championships and 2 Drivers\' Championships.
In the context of Renault\'s broader F1 programme, the Renault RS01 was part of a continuous development process. The lessons learned from this car informed the design of subsequent models, contributing to Renault\'s ongoing technical evolution. The car\'s performance data — lap times, tyre degradation rates, fuel consumption figures — all fed into the team\'s knowledge base and helped shape future development directions.
Technical Specifications
| Car | Renault RS01 |
| Year | 1977 |
| Engine | Renault EF1 1.5L Turbo V6 |
| Power Output | 510 HP |
| Weight | 595 kg |
| Top Speed | 295 km/h |
| Races Entered | 1 |
| Race Wins | 0 |
| Pole Positions | 0 |
| Win Rate | 0.0% |
| Pole Rate | 0.0% |
| Constructor | Renault |
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