Renault launched the Renault RS01 in 1977, the first Formula One car powered by a turbocharged engine.
The RS01 made its Formula One debut at the 1977 British Grand Prix. It used a 1.5-litre turbocharged V6 engine, reflecting Renault’s decision to challenge the established preference for naturally aspirated three-litre engines.
The car was nicknamed the “yellow teapot” because of its distinctive Renault livery and frequent reliability problems, especially early in its career. Its turbo technology nevertheless proved significant for the future of Grand Prix racing.
Renault’s turbocharged approach eventually became highly competitive. Renault won its first Formula One race with the Renault RS10 at the 1979 French Grand Prix, while turbo engines dominated much of the sport in the early 1980s.