When Renault unveiled its first F1 turbo - charged engine in 1977 , became a laughing stock . Called ' yellow engine ' due to bright color and cloud of steam . Throughout 1980s Renault engines dominated F1 , later banned due to safety concerns . ( CNN ) -- Now turbo engine set to make a comeback , with F1 ruling all teams must convert in 2014 .
When Renault unveiled its first F1 turbo - charged engine in 1977 , became a laughing stock . Called ' yellow engine ' due to bright color and cloud of steam . Throughout 1980s Renault engines dominated F1 , later banned due to safety concerns . Now turbo engine set to make a comeback , with F1 ruling all teams must convert in 2014 .