René Arnoux F1 Profile & Career Stats
Former Formula 1 Driver
René Arnoux
F1 career: 1978 - 1989
Full Career Statistics
| Drivers' Titles | 0 |
| Grand Prix Entries | 163 |
| Grand Prix Starts | 149 |
| Total Points | 181.00 |
| Avg. Points per GP | 1.11 |
| Grand Prix Wins | 7 (4,3%) |
| Wins from pole | 2 (1,2%) |
| Pole Positions | 18 (11,0%) |
| Front Row Starts | 34 (20,9%) |
| Avg. GP Grid | 9.7 |
| GP Podiums | 22 (13,5%) |
| GP Fastest Laps | 12 (7,4%) |
| GP Points Finish | 42 (25,8%) |
| Avg. GP Position | 6.9 |
| GP DNFs | 73 (44,8%) |
| Total GP Laps | 6.611 |
F1 Career Team History
Key Career Landmarks
Race
1978 Belgian F1 Grand Prix1978 BEL F1 GP 29 years, 321 days29y, 321d
1989 Australian F1 Grand Prix1989 AUS F1 GP 41 years, 124 days41y, 124d
1978 Belgian F1 Grand Prix1978 BEL F1 GP 29 years, 321 days29y, 321d1989 Australian F1 Grand Prix1989 AUS F1 GP 41 years, 124 days41y, 124dPole
1979 Austrian F1 Grand Prix1979 AUT F1 GP 31 years, 39 days31y, 39d
1983 British F1 Grand Prix1983 GBR F1 GP 35 years, 12 days35y, 12d
1979 Austrian F1 Grand Prix1979 AUT F1 GP 31 years, 39 days31y, 39d1983 British F1 Grand Prix1983 GBR F1 GP 35 years, 12 days35y, 12dWin
1980 Brazilian F1 Grand Prix1980 BRA F1 GP 31 years, 207 days31y, 207d
1983 Dutch F1 Grand Prix1983 NED F1 GP 35 years, 55 days35y, 55d
1980 Brazilian F1 Grand Prix1980 BRA F1 GP 31 years, 207 days31y, 207d1983 Dutch F1 Grand Prix1983 NED F1 GP 35 years, 55 days35y, 55dPodium
1979 French F1 Grand Prix1979 FRA F1 GP 30 years, 362 days30y, 362d
1984 Dallas F1 Grand Prix1984 USA F1 GP 36 years, 4 days36y, 4d
1979 French F1 Grand Prix1979 FRA F1 GP 30 years, 362 days30y, 362d1984 Dallas F1 Grand Prix1984 USA F1 GP 36 years, 4 days36y, 4dFastest lap1979 French F1 Grand Prix1979 FRA F1 GP 30 years, 362 days30y, 362d1984 Dutch F1 Grand Prix1984 NED F1 GP 36 years, 53 days36y, 53d
1979 French F1 Grand Prix1979 FRA F1 GP 30 years, 362 days30y, 362d1984 Dutch F1 Grand Prix1984 NED F1 GP 36 years, 53 days36y, 53dPoints finish1979 French F1 Grand Prix1979 FRA F1 GP 30 years, 362 days30y, 362d
1989 Canadian F1 Grand Prix1989 CAN F1 GP 40 years, 349 days40y, 349d
1979 French F1 Grand Prix1979 FRA F1 GP 30 years, 362 days30y, 362d1989 Canadian F1 Grand Prix1989 CAN F1 GP 40 years, 349 days40y, 349dWin from pole1982 French F1 Grand Prix1982 FRA F1 GP 34 years, 21 days34y, 21d1983 Canadian F1 Grand Prix1983 CAN F1 GP 34 years, 343 days34y, 343d
1982 French F1 Grand Prix1982 FRA F1 GP 34 years, 21 days34y, 21d1983 Canadian F1 Grand Prix1983 CAN F1 GP 34 years, 343 days34y, 343dF1 Career Finishing Positions
1st
7
2nd
9
3rd
6
4th
7
5th
8
6th
5
7th
5
8th
2
9th
10
10th
8
11th
2
12th
1
13th
3
14th
2
17th
2
18th
1
DNF
72
NC
1
DNQ
10
DNS
2
DNF Did Not FinishNC Not ClassifiedDNQ Did Not QualifyDNS Did Not Start
Performance Breakdown
Bio
René Arnoux Biography
Rene Arnoux, Ferrari 126C2B, 1983 Monaco GP
René Arnoux was a French racing driver who made his mark in the world of Formula One in the 1970s and 80s. Born on July 4, 1948, in Grenoble, France, Arnoux developed a passion for motorsports at a young age, and by his late teens, he was already racing go-karts.
Arnoux's talent was undeniable, and he quickly rose through the ranks of junior motorsports categories, winning the French Formula Three Championship in 1975. He made his F1 debut in 1978 with the Martini team, driving a Cosworth-powered car. However, it was with the French team Renault that he would make his greatest impact.
In 1979, Arnoux joined the Renault team, partnering with Jean-Pierre Jabouille. The team had high hopes for the season, as they had developed a turbocharged engine that promised to be a game-changer. Arnoux's first win came in the 1980 Brazilian Grand Prix, where he beat his teammate Jabouille to the finish line.
Arnoux's greatest season was 1983, where he finished third in the driver's championship, behind Nelson Piquet and Alain Prost. He won two races that season, the Canadian Grand Prix and the Dutch Grand Prix, both of which saw him engage in thrilling battles with the likes of Piquet and Keke Rosberg.
Arnoux's racing style was often described as aggressive, and he was known for his ability to overtake in the tightest of spaces. He was not afraid to push his car to the limit, and his driving was often compared to that of Gilles Villeneuve.
Arnoux continued to race in Formula One until 1989, driving for teams such as Ligier, Ferrari, and Lola. He retired from F1 with 7 wins, 22 podiums, and 18 pole positions to his name.
Despite his success, Arnoux is often remembered for a controversial incident that took place at the 1982 French Grand Prix. He was leading the race when his teammate, Alain Prost, caught up with him. Prost attempted to overtake Arnoux, but the two collided, causing Arnoux to spin out. The incident was captured on film and became one of the most iconic moments in F1 history.
In retirement, Arnoux continued to be involved in motorsports, working as a team manager and driver coach. He was also a regular guest at F1 events, where he was always happy to chat with fans and share his experiences.
René Arnoux may not have won as many races or championships as some of his contemporaries, but his fearless driving and thrilling battles on the track have earned him a special place in the hearts of F1 fans. He remains a legend of the sport, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of racing drivers to come.
Cars
René Arnoux F1 cars14 cars · 1978–1989All F1 cars →
Seasons
René Arnoux Championship Results
24th
1989
28th
1988
20th
1987
10th
1986
18th
1985
6th
1984
3rd
1983
6th
1982
9th
1981
6th
1980
8th
1979
26th
1978
René Arnoux F1 Seasons Summary
| Year | Team | Engine | GP | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Pod | Pole | Laps | FL | Avg Pts | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 |
Ligier |
Ford | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 391 | 0 | 0.22 | 2 |
| 1988 |
Ligier |
Judd | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 460 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 |
| 1987 |
Ligier |
 Megatron | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 569 | 0 | 0.07 | 1 |
| 1986 |
Ligier |
Renault | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 882 | 0 | 0.88 | 14 |
| 1985 |
 Ferrari |
Ferrari | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 0 | 3.00 | 3 |
| 1984 |
Ferrari |
Ferrari | 16 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 817 | 2 | 1.69 | 27 |
| 1983 |
Ferrari |
Ferrari | 15 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 751 | 2 | 3.27 | 49 |
| 1982 |
Renault |
Renault | 16 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 538 | 1 | 1.75 | 28 |
| 1981 |
Renault |
Renault | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 585 | 1 | 0.79 | 11 |
| 1980 |
Renault |
Renault | 14 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 749 | 4 | 2.07 | 29 |
| 1979 |
Renault |
Renault | 14 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 502 | 2 | 1.21 | 17 |
| 1978 |
Martini Surtees |
Ford Ford | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 308 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 |
Races
Wins
Podiums
Poles
Teammates
News
Latest René Arnoux News
Why Arnoux Thinks Norris Faces More Pressure Than Verstappen Now
1
Arnoux's Shocking Prediction: The End of Alonso's F1 Career?
1
Hamilton and Ferrari Set for Breakthrough? Insights from Rene Arnoux
1
Red Bull Upgrades Tested as Verstappen Battles for Championship
Red Bull's Turmoil Spurs Ferrari's Charge: Arnoux's Insight
Red Bull Test Results Already Shifts Focus to Next F1
Arnoux Thinks Leclerc Can Challenge Verstappen next F1 season
3
F1 Rivals on Alert: Sacked Szafnauer and Permane in High
1
Former F1 drivers declare Verstappen the greatest of his generation
13
Read more René Arnoux News »
René Arnoux — Frequently Asked Questions
When did René Arnoux start racing in Formula 1?
René Arnoux started racing in Formula 1 in 1978.
Is René Arnoux still racing in Formula 1?
No, René Arnoux last competed in Formula 1 in 1989.
How many Formula 1 races has René Arnoux won?
René Arnoux has won 7 Formula 1 races.
How many F1 podiums does René Arnoux have?
René Arnoux has finished on the podium 22 times in Formula 1.
When did René Arnoux win their first F1 race?
René Arnoux won their first Formula 1 race at the 1980 Brazilian F1 GP.
What nationality is René Arnoux?
René Arnoux is French.
Which teams has René Arnoux driven for in Formula 1?
René Arnoux has driven for Martini, Surtees, Renault, Ferrari and Ligier in Formula 1.
How many F1 races has René Arnoux entered?
René Arnoux has competed in 163 Formula 1 Grands Prix.
