[4] The car was planned to make its competitive debut at the 2020 Australian Grand Prix, but this was delayed when the next nine events in were cancelled or postponed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[7][8] Ricciardo scored Renault's first podium since it returned to Formula One at the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix, while Ocon scored his first career podium at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.

Because of financial and logistical challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, an agreement was reached between the FIA and Formula One teams so that 2020 cars would be carried over to 2021, with development of certain areas of the cars frozen after the end of the 2020 season.

The Renault R.S.20 is the last car to have been designed by Nick Chester during his time with the team.

[10] Peter Machin was replaced as Head of Aerodynamics by Williams' former chief aerodynamicist Dirk de Beer, who had returned to Renault after last working for the team in 2013.