In 1980, Renault's commitment to Formula 1 became total, no longer delegated to the "Renault Sport" division but directly managed by the parent company. From this season onward, the car names no longer carried the "RS" designation but were instead labeled "RE." The technical director of the project remained François Castaing, assisted by designer Michel Tétu and aerodynamicist Marcel Hubert, who created what could be considered Renault’s first fully mature Formula 1 car, the Renault RE20.
RENAULT RE20, Jean-Pierre Jabouille
Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1980
The new car was a direct evolution of the RS10, inheriting its chassis and suspension while incorporating the latest evolution of the Renault EF1 turbo engine, producing 520 hp, about 40 more than the Ford-Cosworth V8 still powering most of the grid. The aerodynamics, however, were completely revised, with the radiators finally moved into the long, tall sidepods, a much narrower and elongated nose to optimize airflow under the car, and significant improvements to the rear diffuser to enhance downforce.
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| RENAULT RE20, René Arnoux Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1980 |
The RE20 was once again entrusted to driver-engineer Jean-Pierre Jabouille and the aggressive René Arnoux. After a disastrous start to the season, with both cars retiring after just a few laps in Argentina, Renault quickly bounced back, taking pole position and victory in the very next race. This success was repeated in the third race of the season, putting Renault at the top of both the drivers' and constructors' standings after just three rounds.
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| RENAULT RE20, Jean-Pierre Jabouille Paul Ricard, French GP 1980 |
Unfortunately, the rest of the season did not unfold as favorably, with various technical failures preventing the French car from remaining competitive. However, the team did secure another victory in Austria with Jabouille, which turned out to be his only points finish of the season. Tragically, Jabouille was later involved in a severe accident at the Canadian Grand Prix, suffering multiple leg fractures. This effectively marked the end of his career as Renault’s lead driver, engineer and test pilot, the man most responsible for the on-track development of the innovative but challenging turbo engine concept.
RENAULT RE20, Jean-Pierre Jabouille
Osterreichring, Austrian GP 1980
For the 1981 season, Renault decided to replace Jabouille with young and promising French driver Alain Prost. In total, Renault scored 38 points in the 1980 season, finishing fourth in the Constructors' Championship with three wins, one second-place finish, and several other points finishes. As further proof of the maturity of the turbo project, the Renault car also secured three pole positions, four fastest laps, and consistently recorded the highest top speeds at every circuit.
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