Introduction
The 2015 Lotus Renault F1 E23 was a Formula One racing car designed by Lotus Renault GP in collaboration with their engine supplier, Renault. It was driven by Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado for the 2015 season and was the successor of the 2014 Lotus E22. The car was used to compete in the 2015 Formula One World Championship and was the fifth car built by Lotus Renault. The E23 was the first Renault-powered car since the 2014 Lotus E22 and was the first F1 car to feature the Renault Energy F1-2014 power unit.
Design
Chassis
The 2015 Lotus Renault F1 E23 was designed by Lotus Renault GP, with the chassis being constructed by the team at Enstone, UK. The E23 featured a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis and an integrated gearbox, which was the same layout used by the 2014 Lotus E22. The car was also equipped with a double-wishbone suspension system, with the front and rear suspension being connected to the monocoque via push-rods.
Power Unit
The E23 was powered by the Renault Energy F1-2014 power unit, which was a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 engine. The engine was mated to a Renault 8-speed semi-automatic gearbox and was capable of producing up to 750 bhp. It was the first Renault-powered car since the 2014 Lotus E22.
Performance
The E23 was relatively successful in its debut season, with Grosjean and Maldonado collecting a total of 81 points throughout the year. Grosjean achieved his best result of the season at the Italian Grand Prix, where he finished in fourth place. Maldonado achieved his best result of the season at the Monaco Grand Prix, where he finished in seventh place.
Safety
The safety of the drivers was a priority for the E23, with the car featuring a number of safety features. The E23 was equipped with a Halo cockpit protection system, which was designed to protect the driver’s head in the event of an accident. The car was also equipped with a number of other safety features, such as an energy-absorbing crash structure and a wheel tether system.
Aerodynamics
The E23 was designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, with the car featuring a number of aerodynamic elements. The car featured a number of aerodynamic devices, such as a front wing, an air-splitter, an adjustable rear wing, and an adjustable diffuser. The car also featured a range of other aerodynamic aids, such as an adjustable front and rear ride heights, and adjustable brake ducts.
Tyres
The E23 was equipped with Pirelli tyres, which were provided by the Italian tyre manufacturer. The tyres were available in a range of compounds, from soft to extra-hard, and were designed to provide optimal grip and stability in all conditions.
Testing
The E23 underwent a number of tests prior to its debut in the 2015 Formula One World Championship. The car was tested extensively at various circuits around the world, including the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Silverstone, and the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The car also underwent a number of shakedown tests at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France.
Results
The E23 achieved a total of 81 points throughout the 2015 season, with Grosjean and Maldonado finishing in 12th and 15th place in the Drivers’ Championship respectively. The team also finished in eighth place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Legacy
The E23 was the last car used by Lotus Renault GP before the team was rebranded as Renault Sport F1 in 2016. The car was also the last Renault-powered car to compete in Formula One before the manufacturer returned in 2016 with the Renault R.S. 16.
