View source for Benetton Formula

{{short description|Former motor racing team}}
{{expand Italian|Benetton Formula|topic=sport|date=March 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2017}}
{{Former F1 team
|Short_name    = Benetton
|Logo          = [[File:Benetton Formula logo.jpg|210px]]
|Long_name     = Benetton Formula Ltd.
|Previous name = [[Toleman|Toleman Motorsport]]
|Next name     = [[Renault in Formula One#Renault F1 Team (2002–10): The rise and fall of the first Enstone era|Renault F1 Team]]
|Base          = [[Witney]], England, UK<br> (1986–1991)<br>[[Enstone]],  England, UK<br> (1992–2001)
|Staff         = [[Flavio Briatore]]<br>[[Rocco Benetton]]<br>[[Ross Brawn]]<br>[[Frank Dernie]]<br>[[Mike Gascoyne]]<br>[[Nigel Stepney]]<br>[[Pat Symonds]]<br>[[Steve Matchett]]<br>[[David Richards (racing)|David Richards]]<br>[[Peter Collins (racing team manager)|Peter Collins]]<br>[[Rory Byrne]]<br>[[Nikolas Tombazis]]<br>[[Willem Toet]]<br>[[Pat Fry]]<br>[[Nick Wirth]]<br>[[John Barnard]]<br>Philip J. Henderson<br>Greg Field
|Drivers       = {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Teo Fabi]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Gerhard Berger]]<br>{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Thierry Boutsen]]<br>{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Alessandro Nannini]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Johnny Herbert]]<br>{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Emanuele Pirro]]<br>{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Nelson Piquet]]<br>{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Roberto Moreno]]<br>{{flagicon|DEU}} [[Michael Schumacher]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Martin Brundle]]<br>{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Riccardo Patrese]]<br>{{flagicon|NLD}} [[Jos Verstappen]]<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[JJ Lehto]]<br>{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Jean Alesi]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Alexander Wurz]]<br>{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Giancarlo Fisichella]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Jenson Button]]
|Debut         = [[1986 Brazilian Grand Prix]]
|Races         = 260
|Engines       = [[BMW in Formula One|BMW]], [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]], [[Playlife]]
|Cons_champ    = 1 ({{F1|1995}})
|Drivers_champ = 2 ({{F1|1994}}, {{F1|1995}})
|Wins          = 27
|Podiums       = 102
|Poles         = 15
|Points        = 851.5 (861.5){{efn|Extra 10 points are [[Michael Schumacher]]'s points from [[1995 Brazilian Grand Prix]] which were not counted towards 1995 World Constructors' Championship.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/judgements/1995-ica-APRIL13.pdf |title=International Court of Appeal (I.C.A.) for 1995 Brazilian Grand Prix results |date=13 April 1995 |publisher=Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile |access-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221020726/https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/judgements/1995-ica-APRIL13.pdf |archive-date=21 February 2023}}</ref>}}
|Fastest_laps  = 36
|Last race     = [[2001 Japanese Grand Prix]]
}}

'''Benetton Formula Limited.''', commonly referred to simply as '''Benetton''', was a [[Formula One]] constructor that participated from {{F1|1986}} to {{F1|2001}}. The team was owned by the [[Benetton family]] who run a worldwide chain of clothing stores. In 2000, the team was purchased by Renault, but competed as Benetton for the 2000 and 2001 seasons. In {{F1|2002}}, the team became [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]]. The Benetton Formula team was chaired by [[Alessandro Benetton]] from 1988 to 1998.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8963171/The-Sunday-Interview-Alessandro-Benetton.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8963171/The-Sunday-Interview-Alessandro-Benetton.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The Sunday Interview: Alessandro Benetton|last=Osborne|first=Alistair|date=2011-12-17|access-date=2017-11-22|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

==Origins==

The [[Benetton Group]] entered [[Formula One]] as a sponsor company for constructor [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]] in {{F1|1983}},{{sfn|Mantle|1999|p=117}} then [[Alfa Romeo (Formula One)|Alfa Romeo]] in {{F1|1984}} and {{F1|1985}} and finally [[Toleman]] in 1985.{{sfn|Mantle|1999|p=138}} Toleman had struggled in 1985, missing the first three races of the season and being forced to only enter one car for the following six races, as a result of a dispute with tyre suppliers. [[Teo Fabi]] had taken a [[pole position]] for Toleman at the [[1985 German Grand Prix|German Grand Prix]], however the team would score no points during the season, with poor reliability causing a Toleman car to see the chequered flag only twice out of 20 total entries. Benetton Formula Limited was formed in 1985 when the [[Toleman]] team was sold to the [[Benetton family]].{{sfn|Mantle|1999|p=139}}

==Racing history==

{{refimprovesection|date=April 2020}}
===BMW (1986) and Ford (1987-1994) era===
====Beginnings (1986–1987)====

Toleman had already developed the TG186, their planned chassis for the {{F1|1986}} season. This was renamed the [[Benetton B186]] after the change in ownership.{{sfn|Tremayne|Hughes|2002|p=200}} Benetton's first season in Formula One also came with a change in engine supply, with Toleman's [[Hart Racing Engines|Hart]] engines being replaced with that of a large car manufacturer, the powerful [[BMW M12]].{{sfn|Mantle|1999|p=139}} Teo Fabi was retained as a driver and [[Piercarlo Ghinzani]] was replaced by [[Gerhard Berger]], who joined from [[Arrows Grand Prix International|Arrows]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racefans.net/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-f/teo-fabi/ |title=Teo Fabi Biography |author=Collantine, Keith |publisher=Race Fans |access-date=26 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002003629/https://www.racefans.net/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-f/teo-fabi/ |archive-date=2 October 2022 }}</ref>

[[File:Gerhard Berger 1986 Detroit.jpg|thumb|left|[[Gerhard Berger]] driving the [[Benetton B186]] at the [[1986 Detroit Grand Prix]]]]

The B186 demonstrated its pace throughout the season, with Berger securing the team's first podium finish at [[1986 San Marino Grand Prix|Imola]] and a front-row start in [[1986 Belgian Grand Prix|Belgium]]. Fabi claimed two consecutive pole positions in [[1986 Austrian Grand Prix|Austria]] and [[1986 Italian Grand Prix|Italy]], before Berger achieved the [[Witney]]-based team's first victory in [[1986 Mexican Grand Prix|Mexico]], almost half a minute ahead of his nearest competitor.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racefans.net/2011/10/12/day-86-title-wire/ |title=Berger's breakthrough win sets up three-way title showdown |author=Collantine, Keith |date=12 October 2011 |publisher=Race Fans |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201110049/https://www.racefans.net/2011/10/12/day-86-title-wire/ |archive-date=1 December 2022}}</ref> Despite the impressive underlying pace, the B186 suffered from severe unreliability. The team recorded nineteen retirements, with eight consecutively for Fabi (including from his two pole positions). Benetton ended the season 6th in the championship with 19 points.<ref name=Musim1986>{{cite web |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/1986.aspx |title=1986 F1 Season |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011040242/https://www.statsf1.com/en/1986.aspx |archive-date=11 October 2022}}</ref>

Berger left the team for [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]] at the end of 1986 and was replaced at Benetton by his former Arrows teammate [[Thierry Boutsen]]. [[BMW in Formula One|BMW]], which had supplied three teams in 1986, scaled back its operation to supply only [[Brabham]] in {{F1|1987}}. With the [[Haas Lola]] team folding at the end of 1986, Benetton was able to take over its factory supply of turbocharged [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] engines. The [[Benetton B187|B187]] suffered with engine trouble at the start of the season, but became more consistent mid-season after reducing the effect of the turbocharger, taking numerous 4th and 5th place finishes as well as two 3rd places in [[1987 Austrian Grand Prix|Austria]] and [[1987 Australian Grand Prix|Australia]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://motoiq.com/1987-cosworth-f1-gba-1200bhp-1-5l-v-6-engine-2/2/ |title=1987 Cosworth F1 GBA 1200 bhp 1.5L V-6 Engine |website=motoiq.com |access-date=28 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129021210/https://motoiq.com/1987-cosworth-f1-gba-1200bhp-1-5l-v-6-engine-2/2/ |archive-date=29 November 2021 |author=Hsu, Eric|date=18 June 2010 }}</ref> Benetton ended the season 5th in the championship with 28 points.<ref name=Musim1987>{{cite web |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/1987.aspx |title=1987 F1 Season |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021133812/https://www.statsf1.com/en/1987.aspx |archive-date=21 October 2022}}</ref>

====Rise (1988–1990)====

[[File:Thierry Boutsen 1988 Canada 2.jpg|thumb|left|[[Thierry Boutsen]] driving the [[Benetton B188]] at the [[1988 Canadian Grand Prix]]]]

Fabi was dropped for the {{F1|1988}} season in favour of [[Minardi]] driver [[Alessandro Nannini]], ending Fabi's Formula One career. The [[Benetton B188|B188]] became the team's first [[naturally-aspirated engines|naturally-aspirated]] car as Ford wished to concentrate development in light of the upcoming ban on turbocharged engines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.conceptcarz.com/z21549/benetton-b188.aspx |title=Benetton B188 |publisher=Concept Carz |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122152713/https://www.conceptcarz.com/z21549/benetton-b188.aspx |archive-date=22 January 2021}}</ref> The B188 was once again an improvement on its predecessor, suffering almost half the number of retirements and claiming seven podium finishes, all 3rd places. Boutsen had finished 3rd in [[1988 Belgian Grand Prix|Belgium]], however both Benettons were disqualified from the race after the season had concluded for fuel irregularities. The team finished the season 3rd in the championship with 39 points.<ref name=Musim1988>{{cite web |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/1988.aspx |title=1988 F1 Season |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018180436/https://www.statsf1.com/en/1988.aspx |archive-date=18 October 2022}}</ref>

For {{F1|1989}}, Boutsen left Benetton to join [[Williams Grand Prix Engineering|Williams]] and was replaced by rookie [[Johnny Herbert]]. The new engine developed by Ford for the [[Benetton B189|B189]] was not ready for the start of the season, and the previous year's engine did not fit in the new car. The team therefore had no choice but to continue using the B188.<ref name=BestF1>{{cite web |url=https://www.thebestf1.es/maravillas-de-la-ingenieria-benetton-b188-ford/ |title=Maravillas de la Ingeniería: Benetton B188 Ford |author=Naranjo, Mané |date=2 November 2016 |publisher=The Best F1 |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230215030519/https://www.thebestf1.es/maravillas-de-la-ingenieria-benetton-b188-ford/ |archive-date=15 February 2023 |lang=es}}</ref> Despite this setback, the B188 still proved competitive, with Nannini claiming a podium finish at [[1989 San Marino Grand Prix|Imola]]. Prior to making his Formula One debut, Herbert was involved in a serious crash in [[Formula 3000]] that broke both his legs. Despite achieving some impressive results, including 4th place in his first race, he was dropped by the team after failing to qualify for the [[1989 Canadian Grand Prix|Canadian Grand Prix]] as it became clear he had still not fully recovered.{{sfn|Tremayne|Hughes|2002|p=61}} He was replaced by rookie and [[McLaren]] test driver [[Emanuele Pirro]].{{sfn|Mantle|1999|p=175}}<ref name=PirroCareer>{{cite web |url=https://www.f1forgottendrivers.com/drivers/emanuele-pirro/ |title=Emanuele Pirro Career |author=Lathamq, Stephen; Hopper, Peter |date=2019 |publisher=Forgotten F1 Drivers |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127110948/https://www.f1forgottendrivers.com/drivers/emanuele-pirro/ |archive-date=27 November 2022}}</ref> The B189 was finally ready to compete at the following race. Nannini would go on to achieve Benetton's first victory since 1986 at the [[1989 Japanese Grand Prix|Japanese Grand Prix]] after [[Ayrton Senna]] was disqualified.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/storia/f1-v-per-vittoria-alessandro-nannini-a-suzuka-1989 |title=V per Vittoria. Alessandro Nannini a Suzuka 1989 |date=9 February 2016 |publisher=Formula Passion |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215033649/https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/storia/f1-v-per-vittoria-alessandro-nannini-a-suzuka-1989 |archive-date=15 February 2023 |lang=it}}</ref> Pirro was only able to secure a single points finish in his ten races with the team, taking 5th place in [[1989 Australian Grand Prix|Australia]]. Benetton ended the season 4th in the championship with 39 points.<ref name=Musim1989>{{cite web |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/1989.aspx |title=1989 F1 Season |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026113833/https://www.statsf1.com/en/1989.aspx |archive-date=26 October 2022}}</ref>

Prior to the {{F1|1990}} season, the team management was fired and businessman [[Flavio Briatore]] was appointed team manager by the Benetton family.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/formula-1/f1-piloti/briatore-alonso-come-schumi-nella-preparazione-schumacher-michael-fernando-frentzen-wendlinger-benetton-alpine |title=Briatore: "Alonso come Schumi nella preparazione" |date=24 February 2021 |publisher=Formula Passion |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215042152/https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/formula-1/f1-piloti/briatore-alonso-come-schumi-nella-preparazione-schumacher-michael-fernando-frentzen-wendlinger-benetton-alpine |archive-date=15 February 2023 |author=Barretta, Valerio |lang=it}}</ref> Pirro was dropped in favour of three-time world champion [[Nelson Piquet]], who had left the struggling [[Team Lotus|Lotus]] team. Benetton used a modified B189 before introducing the [[Benetton B190|B190]] at the third race of the season. 1990 proved to be the team's most successful to date, with Piquet winning the final two races of the season and the team achieving six other podium finishes. Tragedy would befall the team late into the season after Nannini lost his right forearm in a helicopter crash. His arm was re-attached but the injuries ended his Formula One career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsportretro.com/2013/04/nannini/ |title=Exclusive: Alessandro Nannini on what Kubica faces |author=Hallbery, Andy |date=2 April 2013 |publisher=Motorsport Retro |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202094050/https://www.motorsportretro.com/2013/04/nannini/ |archive-date=2 December 2022}}</ref> [[EuroBrun]] driver [[Roberto Moreno]] had become available after the [[Glossary of motorsport terms#B|backmarker]] team pulled out of the sport, and so he was hired as Nannini's replacement.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.racefans.net/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-m/roberto-moreno/ |title=Roberto Moreno |author=Collantine, Keith |publisher=Race Fans |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001184220/https://www.racefans.net/f1-information/whos-who/whos-who-m/roberto-moreno/ |archive-date=1 October 2022}}</ref> The next race in [[1990 Japanese Grand Prix|Japan]] marked Benetton's first ever 1-2 finish, as well as Moreno's first and only career podium. Benetton ended the season 3rd in the championship with 71 points.<ref name=Musim1990>{{cite web |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/1990.aspx |title=1990 F1 Season |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026113833/https://www.statsf1.com/en/1990.aspx |archive-date=26 October 2022}}</ref>

====First Schumacher years (1991–1993)====

A new title sponsor was acquired for {{F1|1991}} in the form of American cigarette brand [[Camel (cigarette)|Camel]], which had previously appeared as a minor sponsor on Benetton cars.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/storia/livree-iconiche-la-benetton-multicolor-1986-90-united-colors-toleman-spirit-berger-fabi-piquet-nannini |title=Benetton 'multicolor' 1986-90 |author=Peluso, Simone |date=28 May 2020 |publisher=Formula Passion |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131145620/https://www.formulapassion.it/motorsport/storia/livree-iconiche-la-benetton-multicolor-1986-90-united-colors-toleman-spirit-berger-fabi-piquet-nannini |archive-date=31 January 2023 |lang=it}}</ref> The 1991 season was less successful for Benetton. An upgraded B190 was used for the first two races of the season before the [[Benetton B191|B191]] made its debut at the [[1991 San Marino Grand Prix|San Marino Grand Prix]]. Piquet achieved an unexpected victory in [[1991 Canadian Grand Prix|Canada]] after [[Nigel Mansell]] retired on the final lap,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://f1i.com/magazine/57838-canada-1991-mansells-wave-disaster.html |title=Canada 1991 - Mansell's wave of disaster |author=van Osten, Philip |date=5 June 2016 |publisher= F1i |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206162437/https://f1i.com/magazine/57838-canada-1991-mansells-wave-disaster.html |archive-date=6 December 2022}}</ref> but two other 3rd place finishes were the only podium places the team would achieve in 1991. Benetton sought a young driver for the team's future, and believed neither Moreno nor the ageing Piquet could fill this role. After [[Michael Schumacher]] had impressed in his debut for [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan]] at the [[1991 Belgian Grand Prix|Belgian Grand Prix]], he was hired by Benetton for the following race in place of Moreno. Jordan protested the move in the British courts, but they found in favour of Benetton.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/how-schumacher-was-snatched-from-jordan-after-his-f1-debut/ |title=How Schumacher was snatched from Jordan after his F1 debut |date=19 September 2021 |publisher=The Race |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927220332/https://the-race.com/formula-1/how-schumacher-was-snatched-from-jordan-after-his-f1-debut/ |archive-date=27 September 2022 |quote=Jordan believed that as part of Ecclestone’s scheme to get Schumacher into a better car as quickly as possible, he made Schumacher’s management aware of the Yamaha engine deal Ecclestone had set up for Jordan.}}</ref>

For the {{F1|1992}} season, [[Tom Walkinshaw Racing]] acquired a stake in Benetton, with [[Tom Walkinshaw]] and [[Ross Brawn]] brought in to run the team's engineering operations. The team also moved its base of operations from Witney, [[Oxfordshire]] to a new factory close to the nearby village of [[Enstone]]. Piquet had retired from Formula One, and was replaced by experienced [[Brabham]] driver [[Martin Brundle]]. Benetton's new car was once again delayed, with the team using an upgraded B191 for the first three races of the season in which Schumacher achieved two podium finishes. The B192 was a marked improvement, with eleven more podium finishes including a victory at [[1992 Belgian Grand Prix|Spa-Francorchamps]], the first of Schumacher's career.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://maxf1.net/en/1992-belgian-gp-first-victory-for-michael-schumacher/ |title=1992 Belgian GP - First victory for Michael Schumacher |author=Petric, Darjan |date=30 August 2021 |publisher=Max F1 |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722121513/https://maxf1.net/en/1992-belgian-gp-first-victory-for-michael-schumacher/ |archive-date=22 July 2022}}</ref> Benetton ended the season 3rd in the championship with 91 points.<ref name=Musim1992>{{cite web |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/1992.aspx |title=1992 F1 Season |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921234855/https://www.statsf1.com/en/1992.aspx |archive-date=21 September 2022}}</ref>

[[File:Michael Schumacher - Benetton B193B during practice for the 1993 British Grand Prix (33686665215).jpg|thumb|right|[[Michael Schumacher]] driving the [[Benetton B193]] at the [[1993 British Grand Prix]]]]

Brundle was unexpectedly dropped for {{F1|1993}} in favour of veteran [[Riccardo Patrese]], who had left Williams. The [[Benetton B193|B193]] was similar in competitiveness to its predecessor, taking a single victory in the hands of Schumacher at the [[1993 Portuguese Grand Prix|Portuguese Grand Prix]] and finishing 3rd in the championship for the fourth time in the team's history. Benetton achieved ten other podium finishes during the season. Despite these impressive results and improvements in the team's performance in 1992 and 1993, Benetton were not able to provide Schumacher with a car to challenge for the world championship, and were outclassed by the dominant Williams team.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1993-f1-world-championship/ |title=1993 Formula One World Championship review |publisher=Motorsport Magazine |access-date=15 February 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230215092216/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/1993-f1-world-championship/ |archive-date=15 February 2023}}</ref>

====Championship years (1994–1995)====

Camel was replaced as the team's title sponsor for {{F1|1994}} by Japanese cigarette brand [[Mild Seven]]. This meant Benetton adopted [[sky blue]] as the main car colour. Patrese retired from Formula One, ending what was the longest career in the sport's history. He was replaced by [[Sauber]] driver [[JJ Lehto]]. However, Lehto was injured whilst testing the B194 prior to the start of the season and Benetton's test driver [[Jos Verstappen]] was brought up to replace him. The B194 was dominant in the hands of Schumacher, winning six of the first seven races including the tragedy-marred [[1994 San Marino Grand Prix]] and taking Benetton's first pole positions since 1986. Verstappen and Lehto were less successful. Verstappen retired from his first two races after accidents. Lehto was declared fit for the [[1994 San Marino Grand Prix|San Marino Grand Prix]], but would only score a single point in the following four races and was replaced again by Verstappen for the [[1994 French Grand Prix|French Grand Prix]] onwards.

Schumacher finished 2nd at the [[1994 British Grand Prix|British Grand Prix]], but was deemed to have overtaken [[Damon Hill]] on the formation lap and then ignored [[Racing flags#Black flag|black flags]]. He was disqualified from the results after the race, and later handed a two-race ban. At the [[1994 German Grand Prix|German Grand Prix]], Verstappen's B194 burst into flames after being showered with fuel during his pit stop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focus-f1.com/Focus-F1/94verstappen.htm |title=JOS VERSTAPPEN-HOCKENHEIM 1994 |publisher=F1 Focus |access-date=4 February 2014}}</ref> He escaped with minor burns and returned to score two consecutive podiums at the following races, the first of his career. Another disqualification came for Schumacher after he finished 1st at the [[1994 Belgian Grand Prix|Belgian Grand Prix]]; his car was measured as having an illegal amount of wear on its [[skid block]]. His two-race ban was served at the following two races, during which Lehto returned to the team as a replacement. In an attempt to win the constructors' championship, Benetton replaced Verstappen with the more experienced Johnny Herbert for the final two races of the season, marking his return to the team. This was ultimately unsuccessful after Herbert retired from both races. Despite Benetton losing the constructors' championship to Williams, Schumacher won his first world title after colliding with championship rival Hill at the final race in [[1994 Australian Grand Prix|Australia]], taking out both drivers.

[[File:Michael Schumacher 1995 Britain 2.jpg|thumb|right|Schumacher driving the [[Benetton B195]] at the [[1995 British Grand Prix]]]]

====1994 cheating controversy====
{{Main|1994 Formula One cheating controversy}}
During the {{F1|1994}} season, some rival teams claimed Benetton had found a way to violate the [[Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile|FIA]]-imposed ban on electronic aids, including [[Traction control system|traction control]] and [[Launch control (automotive)|launch control]]. On investigation, the FIA discovered "start sequence" (launch control) software in the [[Benetton B194]] cars, and a variety of illegal software in rival teams' cars as well. FIA had no evidence the software was ever used, so teams found with the software received little to no punishment. No traction control software was found to be in the Benetton cars, however. 
[[Flavio Briatore]], Benetton's chief in 1994, said in 2001 that "Our only mistake was that at the time we were too young and people were suspicious".<ref name="briatore on alledgely cheating benneton">{{cite news |agency = Reuters |title = Seven-year ban on traction control likely over |url = https://www.espn.com/auto/news/2001/0204/1062927.html |work = www.ESPN.com |date = 4 February 2001 |access-date = 24 October 2006}}</ref>
===Renault works era (1995-1997)===
After eight years of Ford power, Benetton switched to full-works [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] V10 engines for {{F1|1995}} and thus Ford switched allegiances to then-youngest Formula One constructor [[Sauber]]. Herbert was retained alongside Schumacher, whilst test driver Verstappen was loaned to the struggling [[Simtek]] team. Schumacher was initially critical of the new [[Benetton B195|B195]], claiming that it was difficult to control. The car was outclassed by the [[Williams FW17]] in the early season, with the team's poor performance culminating in Schumacher crashing out from pole position at [[1995 San Marino Grand Prix|Imola]]. However, setup changes at the following race in [[1995 Spanish Grand Prix|Spain]] improved Schumacher's performance in the car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://forums.autosport.com/topic/47907-the-ugly-duckling-the-story-of-benettons-b195/|title=&quot;The ugly duckling&quot;, the story of Benetton's B195 - Racing Comments Archive|website=The Autosport Forums|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref> He went on to dominate the remainder of the season, taking nine wins from seventeen races in total and claiming his second world title. Herbert took his first career podium in [[1995 Spanish Grand Prix|Spain]] and then went on to win the [[1995 British Grand Prix|British]] and [[1995 Italian Grand Prix|Italian]] Grands Prix. This combined effort won Benetton its first constructors' championship, ending Williams' three-year reign. Herbert later claimed the team failed to provide him with equal equipment and accused them of favouring Schumacher.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/herbert-berates-benetton-1600092.html|title=Herbert berates Benetton|date=8 September 1995|website=The Independent|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref>

====Decline (1996–1999)====

[[File:Jean Alesi - Imola 1996 (5).jpg|thumb|left|[[Jean Alesi]] driving the [[Benetton B196]] during free practice at the [[1996 San Marino Grand Prix]]]]

Benetton began racing under Italian nationality for the {{F1|1996}} season, but remained based in the United Kingdom. Despite being contracted to race for Benetton, Schumacher left early to join Ferrari, citing the team's actions in 1994 as his reason for opting out.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Cooper |first=Steve |date=August 2007 |title=McLaren dream team turns into nightmare |magazine=Autosport |volume=189 |issue=6 |pages=6–8 }}</ref> Herbert was dropped by the team and joined Sauber. Their replacements were [[Jean Alesi]] and the returning Gerhard Berger, both of whom had left Ferrari. Williams returned to dominance in 1996 and Schumacher's departure allowed Ferrari to compete for race wins, leaving Benetton struggling. The [[Benetton B196|B196]] took ten podium finishes, but the team failed to win a race for the first time since 1988. Alesi and Berger were on course to win the [[1996 Monaco Grand Prix|Monaco]] and [[1996 German Grand Prix|German]] Grands Prix respectively, but both retired late in the closing laps. Benetton finished the season 3rd in the championship with 68 points, less than half as many as in 1995.

By {{F1|1997}}, technical director Ross Brawn and chief designer [[Rory Byrne]], as well as numerous other staff, had left Benetton to join Schumacher at Ferrari. Composites manager, Philip Henderson, who had been with the team since the start also left to help Dan Gurney with his Indy Car team in California. The [[Benetton B197|B197]], like its predecessor, struggled to compete with Williams and Ferrari. However, the team still achieved a number of podium finishes over the season. Berger was forced to miss three races due to illness and the death of his father; his replacement was rookie test driver [[Alexander Wurz]]. Wurz scored a podium in [[1997 British Grand Prix|Britain]], only his third race in Formula One. Berger returned for the [[1997 German Grand Prix|German Grand Prix]], winning the race from pole position in dominant fashion. However, this would turn out to be Benetton's last victory in Formula One, as well as the 10th and final career win for [[Gerhard Berger]].<ref name=GER1997>{{cite web |url=https://maxf1.net/en/1997-german-gp-tenth-and-last-f1-victory-for-berger/ |title=1997 German GP – Tenth and last F1 victory for Berger |author=Petric, Darjan |date=27 July 2021 |publisher=Max F1 |access-date=27 March 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230327125908/https://maxf1.net/en/1997-german-gp-tenth-and-last-f1-victory-for-berger/ |archive-date=27 March 2023}}</ref> Alesi took pole position in [[1997 Italian Grand Prix|Italy]] but lost out due to a slow pit stop, finishing 2nd. Benetton ended the season 3rd in the championship with 67 points.

===Mecachrome-assembled Supertec era (1998-2000)===
{{F1|1998}} saw numerous changes within the Benetton team. Berger retired from Formula One, and Alesi left to join Sauber. Test driver Wurz was promoted to a full-time seat, partnering [[Giancarlo Fisichella]] who left Jordan. Renault pulled out of Formula One, leaving Benetton and Williams with a supply of Renault's 1997 engines developed by [[Mecachrome]]. Benetton re-branded these engines as [[Playlife]], a sportswear brand owned by the Benetton family. Chief executive Flavio Briatore was removed and replaced by former World Rally Champion and [[Prodrive]] boss [[David Richards (motorsport)|David Richards]]. Fisichella achieved some success with the [[Benetton B198|B198]], achieving two consecutive 2nd places in [[1998 Monaco Grand Prix|Monaco]] and [[1998 Canadian Grand Prix|Canada]] as well as pole position in [[1998 Austrian Grand Prix|Austria]]. However, Benetton became uncompetitive towards the end of the season, scoring just a single point in the final seven races. The team partly blamed tyre supplier [[Bridgestone]], claiming that they had favoured the more successful McLaren team.<ref>Henry, Alan (ed.), ''[[AUTOCOURSE]] 1998-99'', Hazleton Publishing Ltd. (1998) {{ISBN|1-874557-43-8}}</ref> Benetton finished the season 5th in the championship with 33 points.

Chief executive Richards left Benetton after just a year in his post and was replaced by [[Rocco Benetton]] for {{F1|1999}}, due to a disagreement with the Benetton family about future strategy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/formula_1/196945.stm |title=Benetton boss steps down |date=30 October 1998 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=16 February 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230216142828/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/formula_1/196945.stm |archive-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> The Renault engines were now developed by Flavio Briatore's [[Supertec]] company, but continued to be labelled Playlife. The [[Benetton B199|B199]] was a disappointment and demonstrated the further decline of the team. The highlight of the season was Fisichella's 2nd place in [[1999 Canadian Grand Prix|Canada]], however this only came after numerous retirements from other cars. The following ten races only saw a single points finish for Benetton; Wurz's 5th place in [[1999 Austrian Grand Prix|Austria]]. Benetton ended the season 6th in the championship with 16 points, their worst ever finish.

===Renault ownership (2000–2001)===
After [[Williams F1|Williams]] switched to works [[BMW F1|BMW]] engines, Benetton officially strengthened its partnership with [[Supertec]]. Prior to the start of the {{F1|2000}} season, the team was sold to Renault as the manufacturer sought a return to Formula One, however the team would retain the Benetton name.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/benetton-f1-team-sold-to-renault-ps75-m-283413.html |title=Benetton F1 team sold to Renault £75 m |author=McLeod, Maurice |date=16 March 2000 |work=The Independent |access-date=16 February 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230216150300/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/benetton-f1-team-sold-to-renault-ps75-m-283413.html |archive-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> As part of their restructuring, Renault brought back Flavio Briatore as team manager. The [[Benetton B200|B200]] was an improvement on its predecessor, claiming three podium finishes, including 2nd place in [[2000 Brazilian Grand Prix|Brazil]] after [[David Coulthard]] was disqualified. All three of these podiums were scored by Fisichella; Wurz struggled with the car and only claimed a single points finish with 5th place in [[2000 Italian Grand Prix|Italy]]. Benetton ended the season 4th in the championship with 20 points.<ref name=Musim2000>{{cite web |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/2000.aspx |title=2000 F1 Season |publisher=Stats F1 |access-date=11 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212022444/https://www.statsf1.com/en/2000.aspx |archive-date=12 February 2023}}</ref>

[[File:Button 2001 French Grand Prix.jpg|thumb|right|Benetton's final Formula One car, the [[Benetton B201|B201]], driven by [[Jenson Button]] at the [[2001 French Grand Prix]]]]

The Renault name returned to Formula One in {{F1|2001}} as Benetton received a supply of full-works Renault engines. Wurz's struggles in 2000 saw him replaced with a young [[Jenson Button]], who had been dropped by Williams. Despite these changes, Benetton suffered a dismal start to 2001 with the [[Benetton B201|B201]] often barely qualifying in the top 20. Only a single point was salvaged in the first eleven races, when Fisichella finished 6th in [[2001 Brazilian Grand Prix|Brazil]] after twelve other cars failed to finish. The team's fortunes began to change at the [[2001 German Grand Prix|German Grand Prix]], when Fisichella and Button finishing 4th and 5th respectively. Continued chassis development allowed Benetton to leave Formula One on something of a high, and the cars' performance lifted. Button and Fisichella scored 10 points for the team, including an impressive podium finish for Fisichella in [[2001 Belgian Grand Prix|Belgium]].

==Legacy==

2001 was the final season featuring the Benetton name, as the team was fully re-branded as the [[Renault in Formula One#Renault F1 Team (2002–2010)|Renault F1 Team]] for the {{F1|2002}} season. The Renault F1 Team would go on to win the drivers' and constructors' championships in both {{F1|2005}} and {{F1|2006}} with [[Fernando Alonso]] and [[Giancarlo Fisichella]]. The team was sold off and became [[Lotus F1 Team]] in {{F1|2012}}. Renault re-purchased the team and was rebranded it [[Renault in Formula One#Renault Sport Formula One Team and Renault F1 Team (2016–present)|Renault Sport Formula One Team]] in {{F1|2016}}, then becoming [[Alpine F1 Team|Alpine]] in [[2021 Formula One World Championship|2021]]. The team continues to operate from the site at Enstone established by Benetton in 1992.<ref name=TeamEnstone>{{cite web |url=https://f1experiences.com/blog/team-enstone-tracing-the-roots-of-the-alpine-f1-team |title=Team Enstone: tracing the roots of the Alpine F1 team |author=Balfour, Andrew |date=1 May 2021 |publisher=F1 Experiences |access-date=2 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210103238/https://f1experiences.com/blog/team-enstone-tracing-the-roots-of-the-alpine-f1-team |archive-date=10 February 2023}}</ref>

The Benetton team is today best known for its success with Michael Schumacher,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-06/benetton-heir-alessandro-goes-it-alone-with-private-equity-firm|title=Benetton Heir Alessandro Goes It Alone With Private Equity Firm|date=2016-04-06|work=Bloomberg.com|access-date=2017-11-22}}</ref> who accounts for 19 of the team's 27 race victories and their two World Drivers' Championships.

==Nationality==

Benetton Team had a [[List of Formula One constructors#Team's nationality|British licence]] from {{F1|1986}} to {{F1|1995}} and an Italian licence from {{F1|1996}} to {{F1|2001}},{{sfn|Hayhoe|Holland|2006|p=592: The combination of Schumacher and intelligent team strategy paid off with both titles in 1995, although they seemed to miss their superstar the following season when the team officially changed their nationality to Italian}} thus becoming only the second constructor (after [[Shadow Racing Cars|Shadow]] in {{F1|1976}}) to officially change its nationality. The [[Benetton family]] wanted this change of nationality to have their Formula One team flying the flag of their own country.<ref>{{cite web| title=New Benetton launched today| url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns00464.html| date=5 February 1996| work=GrandPrix.com| access-date=13 September 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Will Benetton's nationalism cause problems?| url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns00419.html| date=1 January 1996| work=GrandPrix.com| access-date=13 September 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=19951129&id=FWoWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3B4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=3285,4122386 |title=Benetton to race under Italian colours |newspaper=New Straits Times |date=29 November 1995 |access-date=4 February 2014}}</ref> At the [[1997 German Grand Prix]] Benetton became the only constructor to have won races under more than one nationality. The team was based in the UK throughout, initially at the former [[Toleman]] factory in [[Witney|Witney, Oxfordshire]], before  moving to a new, modern, bigger factory at [[Enstone]] in {{F1|1992}}.

==Racing record==
{{Main|Benetton Grand Prix results}}
('''Bold''' indicates championships won.)
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%"
|-
! Year
! Name
! Car
! Engine
! Tyres 
! No.
! Drivers
! Points 
! WCC
|-
! {{F1|1986}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Benetton BMW Team 
|align="left"| [[Benetton B186|B186]]
|align="left"| [[BMW in Formula One|BMW]] M12/13 [[Inline-four engine|L4]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| {{Pirelli}}
| 19.<br>20.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Teo Fabi]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Gerhard Berger]]
| 19
| 6th
|-
! {{F1|1987}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Benetton Formula
|align="left"| [[Benetton B187|B187]]
|align="left"| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]] GBA 1.5 [[V6 engine|V6]][[Turbocharger|t]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 19.<br>20.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Teo Fabi]]<br>{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Thierry Boutsen]]
| 28
| 5th
|-
! {{F1|1988}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Benetton Formula 
|align="left"| [[Benetton B188|B188]]
|align="left"| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]] DFR 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 19.<br>20.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Alessandro Nannini]]<br>{{flagicon|BEL}} [[Thierry Boutsen]]
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 39
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 3rd
|-
! {{F1|1989}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Benetton Formula 
|align="left"| [[Benetton B188|B188]]<br>[[Benetton B189|B189]]
|align="left"| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]]-[[Cosworth]] DFR 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]<br>[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford-Cosworth HB engine|HBA1]] 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]<br>[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford-Cosworth HB engine|HBA4]] 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 19.<br>20.<br>20.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Alessandro Nannini]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Johnny Herbert]]<br>{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Emanuele Pirro]]
| 39
| 4th
|-
! {{F1|1990}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Benetton Formula
|align="left"| [[Benetton B189|B189B]]<br>[[Benetton B190|B190]]
|align="left"| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] HBA4 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 19.<br>19.<br>20.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Alessandro Nannini]]<br>{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Roberto Moreno]]<br>{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Nelson Piquet]]
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 71
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 3rd
|-
! {{F1|1991}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Camel Benetton Ford
|align="left"| [[Benetton B190|B190B]]<br>[[Benetton B191|B191]]
|align="left"| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] HBA4 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]<br>[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] HBA5 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]
| {{Pirelli}}
| 19.<br>19.<br>20.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|BRA}} [[Roberto Moreno]]<br>{{flagicon|GER}} [[Michael Schumacher]]<br>{{flagicon|BRA}} [[Nelson Piquet]]
| 38.5
| 4th
|-
! {{F1|1992}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Camel Benetton Ford
|align="left"| [[Benetton B191|B191B]]<br>[[Benetton B192|B192]]
|align="left"| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford-Cosworth HB engine|HBA5]] 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]<br>[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford-Cosworth HB engine|HBA7]] 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 19.<br>20.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Michael Schumacher]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Martin Brundle]]
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 91
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 3rd
|-
! {{F1|1993}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Camel Benetton Ford
|align="left"| [[Benetton B193|B193]]<br>[[Benetton B193|B193B]]
|align="left"| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] HBA7 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]<br>[[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford-Cosworth HB engine|HBA8]] 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 5.<br>6.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Michael Schumacher]]<br>{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Riccardo Patrese]]
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 72
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 3rd
|-
! {{F1|1994}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Mild Seven Benetton Ford
|align="left"| [[Benetton B194|B194]]
|align="left"| [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]] [[Ford-Cosworth EC / ED engine|ECA Zetec-R]] 3.5 [[V8 engine|V8]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 5.<br>5./6.<br>6.<br>6.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GER}} '''[[Michael Schumacher]]'''<br>{{flagicon|FIN}} [[JJ Lehto]]<br>{{flagicon|NED}} [[Jos Verstappen]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Johnny Herbert]]
|style="background:#dfdfdf;"| 103
|style="background:#dfdfdf;"| 2nd
|-
! {{F1|1995}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GBR}} Mild Seven Benetton Renault
|align="left"| [[Benetton B195|B195]]
|align="left"| [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] [[Renault RS engine|RS7]] 3.0 [[V10 engine|V10]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 1.<br>2.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|GER}} '''[[Michael Schumacher]]'''<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Johnny Herbert]]
|style="background:#ffffbf;"| '''137'''
|style="background:#ffffbf;"| '''1st'''
|-
! {{F1|1996}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} Mild Seven Benetton Renault
|align="left"| [[Benetton B196|B196]]
|align="left"| [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] [[Renault RS engine|RS8]] 3.0 [[V10 engine|V10]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 3.<br>4.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|FRA|variant=1974}} [[Jean Alesi]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Gerhard Berger]]
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 68
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 3rd
|-
! {{F1|1997}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} Mild Seven Benetton Renault
|align="left"| [[Benetton B197|B197]]
|align="left"| [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] [[Renault RS engine|RS9]] 3.0 [[V10 engine|V10]]
| {{Goodyear}}
| 7.<br>8.<br>8.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|FRA|variant=1974}} [[Jean Alesi]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Gerhard Berger]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Alexander Wurz]]
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 67
|style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 3rd
|-
! {{F1|1998}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} Mild Seven Benetton Playlife
|align="left"| [[Benetton B198|B198]]
|align="left"| [[Playlife]] ([[Mecachrome]]) GC37-01 3.0 [[V10 engine|V10]]
| {{Bridgestone}}
| 5.<br>6.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Giancarlo Fisichella]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Alexander Wurz]]
| 33
| 5th
|-
! {{F1|1999}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} Mild Seven Benetton Playlife
|align="left"| [[Benetton B199|B199]]
|align="left"| [[Playlife]] ([[Supertec]]) FB01 3.0 [[V10 engine|V10]]
| {{Bridgestone}}
| 9.<br>10.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Giancarlo Fisichella]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Alexander Wurz]]
| 16
| 6th
|-
! {{F1|2000}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} Mild Seven Benetton Playlife
|align="left"| [[Benetton B200|B200]]
|align="left"| [[Playlife]] ([[Supertec]]) FB02 3.0 [[V10 engine|V10]]
| {{Bridgestone}}
| 11.<br>12.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Giancarlo Fisichella]]<br>{{flagicon|AUT}} [[Alexander Wurz]]
| 20
| 4th
|-
! {{F1|2001}}
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} Mild Seven Benetton Renault Sport
|align="left"| [[Benetton B201|B201]]
|align="left"| [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] [[Renault RS engine|RS21]] 3.0 [[V10 engine|V10]]
| {{Michelin}}
| 7.<br>8.
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Giancarlo Fisichella]]<br>{{flagicon|GBR}} [[Jenson Button]]
| 10
| 7th
|-
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Formula One}}
* [[Benetton family]]
* [[Benetton Group]]
* [[Benetton Rugby]]
* [[List of Italian companies]]
* [[Benetton Basket]]
* [[List of Formula One constructors]]

==Footnotes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
'''Citations'''
{{Reflist|30em}}

'''Bibliography'''
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite book |first=Jonathan |last=Mantle |title=Benetton: The Family, the Business, and the Brand |url=https://archive.org/details/benettonfamilybu0000mant |publisher=Little, Brown & Co. |date=1999 |isbn=978-1-422-35084-3 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |first1=David |last1=Tremayne |last2=Hughes |first2=Mark |title=The Concise Encyclopedia of Formula 1 |url=https://archive.org/details/conciseencyclope0000trem_m9u1 |publisher=Parragon Publishing |date=2002 |isbn=1-40541-645-9 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=Hayhoe |first1=David |last2=Holland |first2=David |title=Grand Prix Data Book |publisher=Haynes Publishing |year=2006 |isbn=1-84425-223-X |language=en}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{commons}}
* [http://www.benetton.com/ United Colors of Benetton]
* [https://www.imdb.com/it/name/nm17093068/?ref_=ttfc_fcr_3_49 Benetton Formula] - At [[IMDb]]

{{S-start}}
{{S-sports}}
{{Succession box|title=[[List of Formula One World Constructors' Champions|Formula One Constructors' Champion]] |before=[[WilliamsF1|Williams]]|after=[[WilliamsF1|Williams]]|years={{f1|1995}}}}
{{S-end}}
{{Benetton Formula}}
{{Formula One constructors}}
{{Formula One World Constructors' Champions}}

[[Category:Benetton Formula| ]]
[[Category:Formula One entrants]]
[[Category:British auto racing teams]]
[[Category:Italian auto racing teams]]
[[Category:British racecar constructors]]
[[Category:Italian racecar constructors]]
[[Category:British Formula Three teams]]
[[Category:1986 establishments in Europe]]
[[Category:2001 disestablishments in Europe]]
[[Category:Benetton Group]]
[[Category:German Formula 3 teams]]
[[Category:Auto racing teams established in 1986]]
[[Category:Auto racing teams disestablished in 2001]]
[[Category:Formula One World Constructors' Champions]]