the yellow teapot
F1 RS 01
PROVOCATIVE
PROVOCATIVE
In 1977, Renault provoked the British - at the time F1 specialists - by launching RS01, a single-seater equipped “only” with a small turbocharged 6-cylinder 1.5 litre engine. At the time, Formula 1 usually had a V8 (or even 12-cylinder) engine. Although results were not as expected, RS01 paved the way for Renault’s incredible F1 history.
spirit
LESS
FOR
MORE
LESS
FOR
MORE
With its oil partner Elf, Renault developed an innovative F1 engine, which it first tested in endurance with a 2-litre cylinder (this engine also led the Renault Alpine A442 B to victory in the 24 Heures du Mans in 1978). The capacity was then reduced to less than 1500 cc to comply with F1 standards. It was with this turbo engine that RS01, Renault’s first Formula 1, would compete in the British Grand Prix in 1977.
original soundtrack
LISTEN TO
THIS PLAYLIST
LISTEN TO
THIS PLAYLIST
Listen to the sounds of RS01 to relive Renault’s early Formula 1 career.
archives
CHEEKY
NICKNAME
CHEEKY
NICKNAME
Compared with the atmospheric 8-12 cylinder 3-litre engines of other one-seaters, the Renault RS01 engine was considered a small player. But Renault’s seasoned engineers had no experience in F1. Unfortunately, in 1977 and 78, engine breakages were frequent and the billowing smoke rising each time earned the RS01 Turbo the nickname “Yellow Teapot”.
exploits
GO WHERE
NO RENAULT
HAS BEEN
GO WHERE
NO RENAULT
HAS BEEN
Renault RS01’s Grand Prix results are maybe nothing to boast of, but engine breakages stopped and performance improved, and in the United States Grand Prix, Jean-Pierre Jabouille stood at the bottom of the podium in 4th place. But the main feat of RS01 was to pave the way for Renault in F1. RS01 was followed by RS10 (1st in the 1979 Dijon Grand Prix).
technical features
TURBOCHARGED
1492 cc ENGINE
TURBOCHARGED
1492 cc ENGINE
- production
4 units
- Performance and engine
Turbocharged 6 cylinders inline, 1492 cc
525 hp at 10,500 rpm
around 300 kph depending on configuration
- dimensionsLength 4,50 mWidth 2,00 mHeight 1,20 m
- architecture
single-seater meeting FIA regulations for Formula 1 category
The Originals Store
A LITTLE PIECE
OF
SPORTING HISTORY
A LITTLE PIECE
OF
SPORTING HISTORY
To celebrate Renault’s first F1, choose RS01 merchandise.
heritage
LIGHTING THE
WAY FOR
RENAULT IN F1
LIGHTING THE
WAY FOR
RENAULT IN F1
Renault RS01, Renault’s first Formule 1, was a trailblazer in the brand’s history in competition. Renault thus began its great journey which included 35 victories, 103 podium finishes, 51 pole positions and 2 world championship titles in 2005 and 2006, in addition to 10 world titles with Williams, Benetton and Red Bull Racing.