The 018 made its debut at the second race of the 1989 Formula One season, the San Marino Grand Prix. Michele Alboreto was given the car for qualifying, but had problems with the fuel pump and failed to qualify. Jonathan Palmer qualified the team's old 017B but raced the newer 018 instead, which he drove into the points with a sixth place. Two races later at the Mexican Grand Prix Alboreto took a third place behind reigning world champion Ayrton Senna and fellow Italian F1 veteran Riccardo Patrese.