10 legendary Formula 1 Race Cars
Here is a list of the Ten legendary Formula 1 race cars.
10. Williams FW14B (1992)
The Williams FW14B is one of the most innovative Formula 1 cars ever produced by a team from the Angian village of Grove in Oxfordshire. It was developed by Adrian Newey under the technical guidance of Patrick Head and managed by Nigel Mansell and his teammate Riccardo Patrese.
The FW14B is the result of creativity, technical genius, and absolute precision. Powered by a Renault V10 engine coupled with a semi-automatic transmission, the car featured the latest technological innovations such as traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a blow-out diffuser.
It also featured a unique active suspension system, banned in Formula 1 until the 1994 season, developed by a team led by Paddy Lowe.
The FW14B was one of the most technologically advanced and aesthetic cars and has changed the history of sports with its innovations. It is believed that Sebastian Vettel bought one of the six existing FW14Bs.
9. Ferrari 156 (1961-1964)
Popular for its shark-nose, tubular shape, and aerodynamic rear end, the Ferrari F156 was designed by Carlo Kiti. Powered by a 1.5-liter V6 Dino engine designed by Vittorio Jano and Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, the car-dominated the 1961 Formula 1 championship.
In his first season, he won five races, including a 1-2-3-4 in the Belgian Grand Prix and a world title for Phil Hill. John Surtees and Lorenzo Bandini also drove the Ferrari 156 in the following years.
8. Jordan 191 (1991)
The Jordan 191 was Michael Schumacher’s car during his Formula 1 debut. Designed by Gary Anderson and powered by a Ford-Cosworth engine, it had the unique feature of the front fender protruding from the nose. The bright green Jordan 191, branded by 7 Up, stood out from the crowd even before Schumacher got behind the wheel.
In addition to Andrea De Cesaris and Belgian Bertrand Gachot, three other riders drove the Jordan 191 that season: Alessandro Zanardi, Roberto Moreno, and Michael Schumacher.
Although the car didn’t make it to the record books, it is primarily remembered for helping launch one of the most legendary careers in sports history.
7.McLaren MP4 / 4 (1988)
The McLaren MP4 / 4, designed for Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, is remembered as the car in which Senna won his first world title. The MP4 / 4, one of the most iconic cars in Formula 1, has won 15 wins and 15 pole positions in each of 16 races.
Designed by American engineer Steve Nichols under the technical guidance of Gordan Murray, the MP4 / 4 was powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged Honda V6 engine that produced over 700 horsepower. This car won the drivers and constructors championships in 1988 and marked the beginning of McLaren’s dominance in Formula 1.
6. Mercedes W196 (1954-1955)
The Mercedes-Benz W196, driven by the duo Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, was the world’s first Formula 1 car with a fuel injection system.
In the post-war period, Mercedes-Benz, in cooperation with the German company Bosch, developed an innovative fuel injection technology. The car featured an elegant magnesium alloy chassis with an engine mounted directly behind the front axles to ensure proper weight distribution.
The famous Silver Arrow was powered by the 1.5-liter supercharged V12 engine previously used on the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters.
The W196R became a legend with nine wins, eight pole positions, and two championship titles from 1954-55, a record for a German car manufacturer. Years later, the W196 broke auction records as the most expensive Formula 1 car sold for $ 29.6 million at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2013.
5. Brabham BT52 (1983)
The mighty Brabham BT52 became the first turbocharged car to win the Formula 1 World Championship. 1.5-liter BMW M12 / 13 engine with 1000 hp was installed on BT52 during qualifying races.
The famous Brabham was another creation by Gordan Murray. Later this season, the upgraded BT52B took part in seven more races.
BT52 had four wins and two pole positions, making Nelson Piquet the first Formula 1 turbo champion and helping him win his second career title.
4. Lotus 78
The Lotus 78, designed by Colin Chapman in 1977, was the first Formula 1 car to use the ground effect. The car featured an innovative differential as well as side skirts that directed airflow under the body, essentially transforming the car into a giant inverted wing. As a result, the 78th model created significantly more downforce.
Driven by Mario Andretti and Gunnar Nilsson, the Lotus 78 won five wins in 1977 and two more the following season, before the concept, developed in 78, was refined and the Lotus 79 emerged, which dominated the 1979 Formula 1 season.
3. Ferrari F2002
A masterpiece from Maranello’s stable, the F2002 was designed by chassis designer Rory Byrne under the technical direction of Ross Brown. Powered by a 3.0-liter V10 engine, the car was pioneering in its design philosophy and featured a compact and lightweight clutchless transmission, hydraulic traction control, and periscope exhaust vents to control airflow.
Driven by Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, he scored 11 pole positions, 15 wins, and 28 podiums that season, making it one of Ferrari’s most successful cars, winning Formula 1 driver and constructor titles that year.
2. Red Bull RB9
Designed by Adrian Newey and Peter Prodromou for the 2013 season, RB9 impressed with its speed. The car was powered by a 2.4-liter V8 Renault RS27-2013 engine with 750 hp.
The car dominated the 2013 season thanks to its unique aerodynamic wing and rear-end design. The RB9, driven by Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, has achieved 11 pole positions, 12 fastest laps, 13 wins, and 28 podiums this season helping Red Bull secure its fourth driver and constructor title.
1. Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid
The Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid is the crowning glory of the V6 hybrid era in F1. Designed by John Owen under the technical guidance of Paddy Lowe, the 2016 W07 was driven by Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg as the Silver War broke out between the two teammates.
F1 W07 Hybrid has 19 wins (10 for Hamilton and 9 for Rosberg), 20 pole positions (12 for Hamilton and 8 for Rosberg), nine fastest laps (3 for Hamilton and 6 for Rosberg), and 14 front row finishes, which helped Mercedes finish third in the constructor’s championship with 765 points.
Intense competition in the Mercedes camp has made 2016 one of the most exciting Formula 1 season.
