Lotus-Renault R31

Historical information

The Renault R31 was a Formula One racing car designed by Lotus Renault GP for the 2011 Formula One season.

The car's distinctive black and gold livery was designed as a tribute to the Team Lotus cars of the 1980s and the famous John Player Special liveries (those cars also used Renault engines).

Speculation suggested that as the design is reminiscent of a cigarette package, the team would be in violation of strict anti-tobacco laws in Canada and would be unable to use it at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.

However, senior team personnel dismissed the claims, stating that "another famous team" (Scuderia Ferrari) was racing with colours similar to those of another tobacco brand and had done so in Canada without trouble in previous years. Ultimately, the car raced in Canada with no changes to its livery.