While success in Formula 1 isn’t determined by a car’s appearance, every once in a while, a machine stands out not just for its speed but also for its striking design. Over the decades, F1 fans have debated which cars are the most visually stunning. Motorsport.com has taken on the challenge of ranking the top 10 most beautiful cars in the history of the sport, spanning 70 years of the World Championship. The debate, while subjective, remains an exciting one, with car liveries and designs often contributing to the allure. The following list includes cars that have captivated fans, combining both performance and aesthetic appeal.
10. Ligier JS11/15 (1979-1980)
Designer: Gerard Ducarouge
F1 Wins: 5
The Ligier JS11/15, famous for its bold Gitanes livery, was a distinctive and iconic car in Formula 1. The sleek design, particularly the fin on the rear sidepods, added a touch of flair to its appearance. It made an unforgettable debut in the 1979 Argentinian Grand Prix, where Jacques Laffite not only qualified on pole but also won the race. The car continued to perform well, with Didier Pironi securing a win in Belgium. Despite losing some of its competitive edge over time, the 1980 model remained a fan favorite for its striking design.
9. Alfa Romeo 158/159 (1950-51)
Designer: Gioacchino Colombo
F1 Wins: 10
The Alfa Romeo 158, which debuted in 1938, became an F1 legend after World War II. This car dominated the early years of Formula 1, winning the first two World Championships with Giuseppe Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio behind the wheel. Its front-engine design and distinct grille made it one of the most visually captivating cars of its era. Coupled with the sound of its supercharged straight-eight engine, it remains one of the most beloved F1 cars in history.
8. McLaren MP4-14 (1999)
Designers: Adrian Newey, Neil Oatley
F1 Wins: 7
The McLaren MP4-14, designed by Adrian Newey, was an engineering marvel of its time. Although its handling was tricky and reliability was an issue, the car’s design was a work of art. The smooth, sleek lines of the car, combined with the West livery, made it one of the best-looking McLarens. Mika Hakkinen drove this car to his second World Championship, despite facing numerous challenges throughout the season. Its narrow nose and neat sidepods set it apart from other cars of the era.
7. Williams FW14B (1992)
Designers: Adrian Newey, Patrick Head
F1 Wins: 10
The Williams FW14B was a technological marvel that featured active suspension and traction control, revolutionizing the sport. The car was dominant in 1992, with Nigel Mansell winning nine out of 16 races. Its low nose, smooth body, and iconic blue, yellow, and white livery made it one of the most attractive cars of the era. The FW14B’s dominance on the track was matched by its beauty, and its design remains one of the most admired in F1 history.
6. Brabham BT45B (1977)
Designer: Gordon Murray
F1 Wins: 0
While the Brabham BT45B never won a World Championship, it stood out for its stunning design, particularly when paired with the red Martini livery. The car, which featured aero revisions in 1977, became more competitive and showcased Gordon Murray’s exceptional design skills. The BT45B’s distinctive front wing and clean lines make it a visually appealing car, despite its lack of race victories. It still holds a special place in F1 history for its design alone.
5. Lotus 72 (1970-75)
Designers: Maurice Philippe, Colin Chapman
F1 Wins: 20
The Lotus 72 was revolutionary in terms of both design and success. It won the World Championship in both 1970, 1972, and 1973, making it one of the most successful F1 cars of its time. The Lotus 72’s wedge-shaped body, which set the template for future F1 designs, made it visually striking. Its two iconic liveries—Gold Leaf in 1970 and John Player Special in the early 1970s—only added to its appeal. The 72E, particularly with its high rear wing, remains a classic example of F1 beauty.
4. Eagle T1G (1966-67)
Designer: Len Terry
F1 Wins: 1
The Eagle T1G, designed by Len Terry, was one of the most beautiful cars of the 1960s. Its sharp, pointed nose and aggressive stance gave it an edge over its contemporaries. Despite facing reliability issues, the Eagle T1G showcased both speed and beauty, with Dan Gurney winning two races in 1967. The car’s design was both functional and aesthetically pleasing, a perfect example of how looks and performance can combine in Formula 1.
3. Ferrari 641 (1990)
Designers: Steve Nichols, Enrique Scalabroni
F1 Wins: 6
The Ferrari 641, driven by Alain Prost in 1990, was a visually stunning car that represented Ferrari’s bid to end its title drought. The sleek scarlet car featured a semi-automatic gearbox and a well-balanced chassis. While it didn’t have the power of its competitors’ V10 engines, the Ferrari 641’s design made it one of the most beautiful cars of the era. It is also one of the few Ferraris chosen for display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York, cementing its status as an iconic F1 design.
2. Jordan 191 (1991)
Designer: Gary Anderson
F1 Wins: 0
The Jordan 191, introduced in 1991, was an instant classic. Its sleek design, highlighted by curvy lines and a distinct nose, made it stand out in its debut season. Despite being a newcomer, Jordan’s car was both fast and visually appealing. The 7Up livery and elegant shape made it one of the most beautiful cars in modern F1 history. The 191’s performance, combined with its stunning design, made it a favorite among fans and a defining moment for the Jordan team.
1. Lotus 79 (1978)
Designers: Peter Wright, Colin Chapman, Geoff Aldridge, Martin Ogilvie, Tony Rudd
F1 Wins: 6
The Lotus 79 is regarded as the most beautiful and groundbreaking car in Formula 1 history. It dominated the 1978 season, thanks to its refined ground-effect design, which influenced the evolution of F1 car aerodynamics. The Lotus 79’s design was clean and sleek, with its aggressive stance and iconic green and gold JPS livery adding to its allure. The car’s dominance on the track and stunning appearance make it the top pick for the most iconic F1 car in history.
Conclusion
While the debate over the most beautiful Formula 1 car will always be subjective, the cars listed here stand out not only for their performance but also for their remarkable design. From the groundbreaking Lotus 79 to the sleek Jordan 191, these cars have captured the imagination of F1 fans worldwide, reminding us that beauty in motorsport is more than just skin deep.
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