Category Formula One Predecessor Lotus E22 | Constructor Lotus Successor Renault R.S.16 | |
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Designer(s) Nick Chester (Technical Director) Engine Mercedes PU106B Hybrid Turbo 1.6 L (98 cu in) V6 engine (90°), limited to 15,000 RPM in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout | ||
The Lotus E23 Hybrid is a Formula One racing car which Lotus used to compete in the 2015 Formula One season. It was driven by Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado. This was the team's only car to use Mercedes engines, after a 20-year partnership with Renault. The E23 Hybrid was also the first Enstone-based car to be powered by other than a Renault engine since the Ford-powered Benetton B194 in 1994.
Contents
Images of the 2015 car were released on 26 January 2015.
Season summary
The car was considered an improvement compared to the disastrous Lotus E22, which suffered from reliability issues and struggling for competitiveness due to the underpowered and unreliable Renault power unit and the fundamental flaws of the E22 chassis. However, both driver errors and unreliability cost the team points finishes in many races, limiting the car's potential of consistent points scoring. Maldonado retired in 5 out of the first 6 races either due to collisions or car problems. Grosjean and Maldonado collided with each other, in Spain and Britain. A highlight of the season however was Grosjean's podium finish in Belgium. Lotus ended its last season with 78 points and a 6th place in the World Constructors' Championship, before its buyout from Renault Sport.
Complete Formula One results
(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)
† Driver failed to finish the race, but was classified as they had completed greater than 90% of the race distance.