Benetton

Benetton, was a prominent Formula One racing team that competed from 1986 to 2001. The team was founded by the Benetton family, owners of the global fashion brand Benetton Group. The team originated from the Toleman team, which the Benetton family purchased in 1985, and made its debut under the Benetton name in the 1986 season. Under the leadership of team principals like Flavio Briatore, Benetton saw significant success in the early 1990s. The team’s breakthrough came with the hiring of Michael Schumacher in 1991. Schumacher’s exceptional driving skills, combined with the technical expertise of designers like Rory Byrne and engineers like Ross Brawn, propelled Benetton to new heights. The team achieved its first major success in 1994 when Schumacher won his first World Championship, giving Benetton its first Constructors’ Championship as well. Schumacher repeated his success in 1995, securing both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships for the team. After Schumacher’s departure to Ferrari at the end of 1995, Benetton struggled to maintain its competitive edge. The team continued to compete but faced challenges in replicating its earlier successes. Changes in regulations, key personnel moving to other teams, and increased competition from well-funded rivals contributed to a decline in performance. Despite these challenges, Benetton remained a respected name in the paddock and continued to be a fixture in Formula One until the early 2000s. In 2000, Renault purchased the Benetton team, and it was officially rebranded as Renault F1 in 2002.