New Renault F1 chassis passes FIA crash tests

Renault has confirmed that its new Formula One chassis has been homologated after it passed the FIA’s mandatory crash tests ahead of pre-season testing.

The French manufacturer is returning this year as a fully-fledged factory team, having completed its takeover of Lotus last December. The news was actually made official on Lotus’ official Twitter feed.

Former GP2 Series champion Jolyon Palmer and 2012 Spanish Grand Prix winner Pastor Maldonado both have a contract for the upcoming campaign. However, the Venezuelan’s seat remains is doubt due to concerns over his PDVSA sponsorship, with former McLaren-Honda reserve driver Kevin Magnussen waiting in the wings.

Renault, which has also released a first promotional video clip ahead of its return, is expected to reveal more details about its F1 programme and strategy at a major media event in early February.

After Haas and Manor, Renault is the third outfit to announce that it has received the governing body’s green light. This year's preseason testing will take place in Barcelona, with the Spanish Grand Prix venue scheduled to host two four-days sessions from February 22-25 and March 1-4.

Feature: Force India winter diary part two - Logistics

Key dates for the 2016 F1 season

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Antonelli: ‘Still a long way to reach Verstappen and Norris’ level’

Kimi Antonelli is sitting comfortably at the top of Formula 1’s 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings,…

17 hours ago

Szafnauer: Root cause of Aston Martin ‘mess’ planted five years ago

Former Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer has delivered a stinging verdict on Team Silverstone's…

18 hours ago

Hadjar details how he unlocked his consistency at Red Bull

Isack Hadjar believes one of his biggest challenges during his first season with Red Bull…

20 hours ago

Four classic German GP winners at the Nürburgring on this day

Down the years, August 4th has seen several German Grand Prix races held at the…

21 hours ago

Gasly: Alpine’s Dutch GP upgrade ‘critical’ for F1 midfield fight

Pierre Gasly believes Alpine’s upcoming Dutch Grand Prix upgrade package will be “critical” to the…

22 hours ago

Piastri reveals hidden gains behind mixed first half of 2026

Oscar Piastri may not have the results to show for his efforts in 2026, but…

23 hours ago