Renault makes new F1 car viewable as spinning hologram

The automaker is taking the novel approach of inviting fans to create special tools to view a hologram projection that can be spun 360 degrees.

Renault says the R.S. 18 is a progression and refinement of the concepts developed in the 2017 season, which ended with the team finishing sixth in the Constructors' Championship, up from ninth the previous year. Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz return as drivers, with Jack Aitken serving as third and reserve driver.

The new car  features a new black and yellow livery, improved suspension concept and greater aerodynamic downforce, plus two new mandatory features for 2018: the "halo" cockpit protection and the removal of a fin on the engine cover to comply with new technical regulations. It'll be powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 Renault R.W. 18 engine developed jointly by teams in England and France and also supplied to the McLaren and Red Bull Racing teams. Renault said it has has made considerable investments in its facility in Enstone, England, by improving its CFD supercomputer, wind tunnel, race team operations room, gearbox dyno, machine shop and expanded design office.

"The success of the program in just two years is testament to the resilient plan laid down early in the creation of the team and the strong job done by Cyril (Abiteboul, managing director) and the entire Renault Sport Racing teams," Jérôme Stoll, Renault Sport Racing president, said in a statement. "I am convinced year three will take us one step closer to the long-term aim: winning races and challenging for championships."

You can learn how to make the do-it-yourself hologram viewing tool for your smartphone or tablet here.