Why Renault will need more than "glimpses" in 2020

Renault's decision to release only teaser shots of its 2020 challenger was disappointing, if unsurprising. It's next challenge is to make sure that the R.S.20 doesn't simply tease its potential, but makes a tangible step forward on 2019

Jake Boxall-Legge Feb 12, 2020, 4:07 PM

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When Renault announced the running order of its launch event, it promised mere "glimpses" of its new RS20 design, covering for the fact that the actual Formula 1 car was absent from the festivities. While infuriating, it was also a perfect metaphor for the team in many ways.

All that Renault has really shown on its return to F1 as a full-fat works team are glimpses; glimpses of potential that have as yet not been fulfilled, as its hopes of becoming a genuine contender for wins in 2019 ultimately came to nothing with an R.S.19 that flattered to deceive.

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Author Jake Boxall-Legge

Jake Boxall-Legge Autosport’s Technical Editor. Having studied Automotive Engineering with Motorsport at the University of Hertfordshire, West Country-born Jake's original ambition was to design racing cars. During a year between studies in which he accidentally rekindled a love of writing, he took up a Master's in Motorsport Engineering at Oxford Brookes. Halfway through his master's year, he was offered a place on the Autosport Academy, conducting occasional freelance duties before becoming the press officer for Formula 2 and GP3 in 2018. Autosport offered him a return to the fold later that year to serve as its Technical Editor. His voice appears on a number of videos and podcasts, and can often be found writing about terrible Formula 1 cars in excruciating detail. In his spare time, Jake enjoys baking and blames his failure to make it past the Great British Bake-Off interviews on his tenuous grasp on choux pastry. His dream is to open a brunch cafe - and his willingness to make outrageous puns in inappropriate situations has earned him the contempt of his colleagues.