Renault in gold and black in Montreal

The questions had been raised as early as January, during the presentation of the new Renault, when the black and gold livery appeared, supposed to recall the colors of the Lotus team from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, but mostly resembling the sponsor of the British team at the time, the cigarette company John Player Special.

However, Canadian anti-tobacco legislation strictly prohibits any references to this type of product. A spokesperson for Imperial Tobacco was skeptical at the time: « It is categorically forbidden to display anything that resembles a pack of cigarettes. If I were Renault, I would be worried. I wonder if they are aware of Canadian law ».

Thus, the Canadian authorities conducted a review of the situation. If the colors of the Renault do indeed pose a problem, the province of Quebec nevertheless authorized the use of this livery on an exceptional basis, as the team is not linked to the tobacco industry.

« We are thrilled to announce that we will be able to race in Montreal with our usual colors, » announced in person Eric Boullier, the director of the English team. « We will use every means at our disposal to dispel any impression that our image, as well as that of our partners, could be linked in any way to this industry, » he also stated.

It is therefore possible that if the team wishes to keep its colors next season, it will have to develop a specific livery for the Canadian event.