The cars were powered by the turbocharged Renault EF15 V6 engine which was rated at 850 bhp (634 kW; 862 PS) in race trim.

The 015 ran on Goodyear tyres and were driven by Martin Brundle in his third season with the team, and Philippe Streiff who joined from Ligier.

Tyrrell on the other hand, had a failed relationship with Renault during the early 1970s which prompted the factory to eventually form its own team in 1977, only had a contract to run customer engines which were usually the oldest, least powerful and economical of those on offer.

The car's best result wasn't achieved until the final race of the season in Australia when Brundle finished in 4th place despite running out of fuel as he crossed the line.

The 015 made headlines for the wrong reasons at the French Grand Prix when Streiff's car caught fire in front of the pits on lap 43.