Tech & Auto
Ranking The Fastest Cars In F1 History
By LUKE MITCHELL
12. Cooper T51
The T51 originally sported a Coventry Climax 2,495-cc, 4 cylinder engine, and a 4 speed Citroen gearbox, although it later used Maserati and Ferrari engines.
With a top speed of 140 mph, the Cooper T51 was primitive by today's standards. Still, in its day, it was one of the most influential cars to enter Formula One.
11. Lotus 49
The Lotus 49 was unique and innovative with its stressed-member engine, which added to the strength of the chassis rather than having the chassis bear its weight.
With a 2,998-cc Ford-Cosworth V8 engine that produced 415 brake horsepower at 9,500 rpm, the Lotus 49 ushered in a new era of high-powered racing.
10. Lotus 78
The Lotus 78 was driven to victory by Mario Andretti in the 1978 World Championship, winning Team Lotus the Constructors' Championship of the same year.
The 78 had a Ford Cosworth three-liter V8 engine. But unlike its predecessors, the 78 benefited from being the first car to use "ground effect" in Formula One motorsport.
9. Brawn BGP 001
The BGP 001 was, as it turned out, incredibly quick, often beating their main competitor Ferrari in qualifying, with a controversial "double diffuser wing."
This created a much more significant amount of downforce compared to the competitors' designs, and it was highly disputed but was eventually passed by the FIA upon appeal.
8. Williams FW14B
The FW14B was incredibly lightweight, with its carbon fiber chassis, and being technically advanced, thanks to its active suspension and traction control features.
It was very fast indeed. Helmed by legendary drivers Nigel Mansell and Riccardo Patrese, the Williams FW14B tore up the track from its debut at the South African Grand Prix.