Renault brought a new, updated R24B model to San Marino Grand Prix, featuring new cylinder heads, inlet system and related changes to the bottom part of the engine.

[4][5] The car showed speed and reliability during the season, managing to outpace both the Williams and McLaren, as well as proving to be a consistent challenger to the equally fast BAR Hondas of Jenson Button and Takuma Sato.

Hoping to secure second place in the Constructors' Championship, Renault replaced Trulli with 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve for the final three races.

The season saw Renault receive new sponsorship from Telefónica and i-Mode while Hanjin was retained for a second year.

Renault used the 'Mild Seven' logos, except at the Canadian, French and British Grands Prix, where they were replaced with their number and driver names.