Renault RE40
| Industry | Automotive, Motorsport |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
Key people | Bernard Dudot (Technical Director), Michel Têtu (Designer), Jean-Claude Migeot (Aerodynamics) |
| Products | Formula One cars, automotive engines |
| Parent | Renault Group |
The Renault RE40 was a Formula One vehicle crafted by Michel Têtu under the supervision of Technical Director Bernard Dudot, with aerodynamic input from Jean-Claude Migeot, developed for Renault's participation in the 1983 Formula One season.
Design
Following the prohibition of ground effect technology after 1982, the RE40 adopted a flat-bottom chassis combined with larger wings to compensate for the reduction in downforce. It pioneered the use of exhaust gases directed to boost diffuser-generated downforce in Formula One. After the exit of René Arnoux, rookie Eddie Cheever joined lead driver Alain Prost, who benefited from extensive testing to tailor the car for enhanced reliability compared to previous years.
This model marked Renault’s inaugural use of a fully carbon fibre chassis, produced by aerospace specialists Hurel-Dubois. The only remaining aluminium component was a small "crash box" at the nose designed to facilitate quick repairs. In response to safety concerns from earlier incidents, the chassis was constructed with reinforced strength.
Underneath, the car featured Renault’s proven Gordini EF1 turbocharged 1.5-litre V6 engine, originally launched in 1977 and recognized as the first turbocharged unit to secure a Grand Prix victory. The twin-turbo arrangement delivered approximately in qualifying trim and during race conditions. Despite its power, turbocharger reliability problems frequently hindered both Prost and Cheever’s results; Prost later reflected that "that year there was a good turbo to have and a bad one. We had the bad one."
Competition history
The RE40 made its first appearance at Round 2 of the 1983 championship with Alain Prost driving at the US Grand Prix West in Long Beach. After initial testing at Willow Springs Raceway, Prost qualified eighth, nearly two and a half seconds behind pole position, and finished 11th due to ongoing misfire issues. Eddie Cheever debuted the second RE40 at the following race in France, where he started from second on the grid and finished third behind Prost.
Prost consistently scored points throughout the season, securing four victories and leading the drivers' championship for most of the year ahead of rivals such as René Arnoux (now racing for Ferrari), Patrick Tambay (future Renault driver), and 1981 World Champion Nelson Piquet driving for Brabham-BMW. However, a turbo failure during the final South African round allowed Piquet to clinch the title by a margin of two points.
The RE40 demonstrated particular strength on high-speed tracks including Spa, Silverstone, Österreichring, and Monza—where Prost only retired once. Although Ferrari and BMW turbo engines reportedly produced more power (approximately 800–850 PS in qualifying compared to Renault’s 750 PS), all three manufacturers reduced engine output to around 650 PS during races to improve reliability. Prost capitalized on the car’s capabilities to achieve more wins than any other driver that season. Cheever served effectively as a supporting driver, securing multiple podium finishes despite being hampered by mechanical issues.
Disappointed by Renault’s inconsistent championship performance and limited development progress on the RE40, Prost openly criticized the team and was subsequently released at season’s end, moving on to McLaren. The RE40 recorded four victories and three pole positions throughout 1983. Prost later described it as "a lovely car ... we should have been World Champions 10 times over." Cheever also left after an unfulfilling year, signing with Alfa Romeo.
Prost’s triumph at the 1983 Austrian Grand Prix represented Renault’s final victory during their initial Formula One era; no wins were achieved in 1984 or 1985 before Renault withdrew as a constructor at the close of 1985.
The RE40 was replaced early in 1984 by the Renault RE50.
Complete Formula One World Championship results
(key) (bold signifies pole position; italics denotes fastest lap)
| Year | Team | Power Unit | Tyres | Driver | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | Points | Constructors' Championship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:F1 | Equipe Renault Elf | Renault Gordini EF1 V6 tc |
Template:Michelin | BRA | USW | FRA | SMR | MON | BEL | DET | CAN | GBR | GER | AUT | NED | ITA | EUR | RSA | 79 | 2nd | |
| Alain Prost | 11th | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 1st | 8th | 5th | 1st | 4th | 1st | Retired | Retired | 2nd | Retired | |||||||
| Eddie Cheever | 3rd | Retired | Retired | 3rd | Retired | 2nd | Retired | Retired | 4th | Retired | 3rd | 10th | 6th |