View source for Toleman

{{short description|British motor racing team}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2015}}
{{Former F1 team
| Short_name    = Toleman
| Logo          = [[File:Toleman logo.png]]
| Long_name     = Toleman Motorsport
| Next name     = [[Benetton Formula]]
| Base          = [[Witney]], [[Oxfordshire]], [[United Kingdom|UK]]
| Founders      = [[Ted Toleman]]<br />Alex Hawkridge
| Staff         = {{plainlist|
* [[Roger Silman]]
* George McAllister
* [[Rory Byrne]]
* [[Pat Symonds]]
* [[John Gentry]]
* [[Christopher Witty]]
}}
| Drivers       = {{plainlist|
* {{flagicon|UK}} [[Brian Henton]]
* {{flagicon|UK}} [[Derek Warwick]]
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Teo Fabi]]
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Bruno Giacomelli]]
* {{flagicon|BRA|1968}} [[Ayrton Senna]]
* {{flagicon|VEN|1930}} [[Johnny Cecotto]]
* {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Stefan Johansson]]
* {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Piercarlo Ghinzani]]
}}
| Debut         = [[1981 San Marino Grand Prix]]
| Races         = 70 (57 starts)
| Cons_champ    = 0 <small>(best finish: 7th, [[1984 Formula One season|1984]])</small>|
| Drivers_champ = 0 <small>(best finish: 9th, 1983-84)</small>|
| Wins          = 0 <small>(best finish: 2nd, [[1984 Monaco Grand Prix]])</small>|
| Poles         = 1
| Fastest_laps  = 2
| Last race     = [[1985 Australian Grand Prix]]
|principal=Alex Hawkridge}}
{{Portal|Formula One}}

'''Toleman Motorsport''' was a [[Formula One]] [[List of Formula One constructors|constructor]] based in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. It participated in Formula One between 1981 and 1985, competing in 70 [[list of Formula One Grands Prix|Grands Prix]]. Today, it is best known for giving [[Ayrton Senna]] his Formula One debut.

The team was generally uncompetitive during its short lifetime, prompting Senna to leave after just one year. However, several of its engineers, including [[Rory Byrne]] and [[Pat Symonds]], stayed with the team after its sale to the [[Benetton Group]] and eventually built the organisation into the title-winning [[Benetton Formula]]. As such, Toleman is the progenitor of the racing lineage informally known as "[[Team Enstone]]."

==Origins==
In 1926, Edward Toleman established a company to deliver Ford cars from the Ford factory to dealers across the country.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hilton |first=Christopher |title=The Toleman Story: The Last Romantics in Formula 1 |date=2010-02-01 |publisher=Veloce Publishing |isbn=978-1-84584-217-8 |pages=8 |language=en}}</ref> Edward's son Albert took over the company in the 1950s, and Albert's sons Ted and Bob succeeded him in 1966.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Richard |date=2024-04-23 |title=Ted Toleman obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/23/ted-toleman-obituary |access-date=2025-01-24 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The Toleman brothers recruited Alex Hawkridge to expand their transportation business into Europe.<ref name=":11" /> 

The Toleman family were enthusiastic gentleman drivers. Albert Toleman won several club-level rally championships.<ref name=":12" /> Ted Toleman participated in Formula Two, the [[Dakar Rally]], and the [[1976 24 Hours of Le Mans]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Diepraam |first=Mattijs |last2=Muelas |first2=Felix |date=Christmas 2000 |title=The last of the non-championship races |url=http://www.forix.com/8w/roc83.html |access-date=2012-11-07 |website=forix.autosport.com |publisher=}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |date=2024-04-11 |title=Ted Toleman obituary - Mark Hughes on Ayrton Senna's first F1 boss |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/ted-toleman-obituary-mark-hughes-on-ayrton-senna-first-f1-boss/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=The Race |language=en}}</ref> Unfortunately, Bob Toleman died in a racing accident in 1976.<ref name=":11" />

Hawkridge encouraged the company to enter auto racing by sponsoring competitors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Damien |date=2024-04-11 |title=Obituary: F1 Team Founder Ted Toleman Dies Aged 86 |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/obituary-f1-team-founder-ted-toleman-dies-aged-86/10597460/ |access-date=2024-01-24 |website=Motorsport.com}}</ref> In 1976, Toleman began sponsoring [[Rad Dougall]] in the [[British Formula Ford Championship]], although Dougall broke his legs in a crash the same day Toleman agreed to fund him. Toleman continued sponsoring Dougall for 1977, and he won the Formula Ford 2000 title that year.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |last=Rencken |first=Dieter |date=2004-01-28 |title=The Alchemist |url=https://atlasf1.autosport.com/2004/jan28/rencken.html |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Atlas F1 Magazine}}</ref> Impressed with the results, Ted Toleman agreed to start his own [[European Formula Two Championship|Formula Two]] team.<ref name=":13" />

== Formula Two ==
From 1978 to 1980, Toleman spent three seasons in the [[European Formula Two Championship]] under the leadership of Alex Hawkridge and Roger Silman.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Kisby |first=Cambridge |date=2024-04-17 |title=Ted Toleman: How flamboyant F1 boss led his team to near victory |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/ted-toleman-how-flamboyant-f1-boss-led-his-team-to-near-victory/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> To prepare for the higher level of competition, the team hired [[Royale Racing]] designer [[Rory Byrne]], with an eye towards eventually building his own cars.<ref name="grandprix.com">{{cite web |date=2007-03-10 |title=Toleman Motorsport Profile - Teams - GP Encyclopedia - F1 History on Grandprix.com |url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/con-tolem.html |access-date=2012-11-07 |publisher=Grandprix.com}}</ref> The team steadily improved from year to year.

In [[1978 European Formula Two Championship|1978]], Toleman ran one car, a customer [[March Engineering|March]]-[[BMW in motorsport|BMW]]. [[Rad Dougall]] made the podium in the very first race, but scored only one more point that season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=2024-04-11 |title=From 'Flying Pig' to Senna's heroics: The short, incredible history of Toleman |url=https://www.racefans.net/2024/04/11/from-flying-pig-to-sennas-heroics-the-short-incredible-history-of-toleman/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=RaceFans |language=en-GB}}</ref> Byrne accused March's [[Robin Herd]] of undermining Toleman to benefit March's works team.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2020-12-22 |title=Friends reunited: Derek Warwick & Brian Henton's 1980 F2 title-winning Tolemans |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2021/93/friends-reunited-derek-warwick-brian-henton-in-1980-f2-title-winning-tolemans/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> He concluded that "it’s no use having a customer car, you’re always one step behind."<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=2014-07-07 |title=Formula 2: The Toleman TG 280-Hart team analysis |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-1980/82/formula-2-toleman-tg-280-hart-team-analysis/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In [[1979 European Formula Two Championship|1979]], Toleman fielded a second car (piloted by [[Brian Henton]]), a customer [[Ralt]]-[[Hart Racing Engines|Hart]]. The team still used the previous year's March chassis when the Ralt was unavailable but otherwise preferred the Ralt.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 1979 |title=Formula Two Review |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-1979/69/formula-two-review/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> The Hart engines were less powerful than the BMWs but much lighter,<ref name=":8" /> with outstanding reliability.<ref name=":10" /> Henton finished 2nd in the championship standings, losing the title to [[Marc Surer]] by two points.<ref name="grandprix.com" /> He would have won the title but for the events of the [[1979 Mediterranean Grand Prix]], where he finished first on track but was subsequently disqualified.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Witty |first=Chris |date=2020-12-28 |title=Band of Brothers: Toleman's dominant F2 campaign |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2021/88/band-of-brothers-tolemans-dominant-f2-campaign/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In [[1980 European Formula Two Championship|1980]], the F2 regulations were revised to limit [[Ground effect (cars)|ground effect]].<ref name=":8" /> [[Derek Warwick]] arrived to replace Dougall, bringing with him financial support from sponsor [[BP]].<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":9" /> Byrne unveiled his first team-built chassis, the [[Toleman TG280]], which exploited a loophole that allowed the team to continue running a ground effect car.<ref name=":8" /> In addition, the team switched from [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]] to [[Pirelli]] tyres, as Byrne felt that Goodyear's tyres were optimised for qualifying and not a full race distance.<ref name=":8" /> Toleman-Hart dominated the F2 season.<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/the-underdog-f1-squad-that-thrust-senna-into-the-limelight/10305319/ |title= The underdog F1 squad that thrust Senna into the limelight |last= Codling |first= Stuart |work= [[Autosport]] |date= 16 May 2022 |access-date= 17 May 2022 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Henton and Warwick finished 1-2 atop the standings, with a lead so large they skipped the final race of the season.<ref name=":9" /> The car was so strong that when Toleman customer drivers were included, the team accounted for three of the top four and four of the top seven drivers in the standings. Toleman cars also won six of the twelve races.

==Formula Atlantic/Pacific==
Toleman also produced the TA860 car (built by [[Lola Cars|Lola]]) for [[Formula Atlantic]] and [[Formula Pacific]] racing. Only two were produced with one going to [[Carl Haas]] in America in June 1981, and the other being sold to Australian race driver Peter Williamson in September 1981. "Willo" as he was known, raced the car in [[Australian Formula 1]] (Pacific) which in the early 1980s included the [[Australian Drivers' Championship]] and the [[Australian Grand Prix]] in its years before it became a Formula One race in [[1985 Australian Grand Prix|1985]]. Unlike most in Australia's top open wheel racing at the time who used the 1.6L [[Cosworth BDA|Ford BDA]] engine, [[Toyota]] loyalist Williamson (he ran a Toyota car dealership in [[Sydney]]) used a 1.6L [[Toyota A engine|Toyota engine]]. The second chassis used by Williamson was crashed during practice for the [[1984 Australian Grand Prix]], prompting Willo to retire from motor racing.<ref>[https://www.oldracingcars.com/toleman/ta860/ Toleman TA860 car-by-car histories @ oldracingcars.com]</ref>

==Formula One==
Toleman entered Formula One for the {{F1|1981}} season. Although Hawkridge admitted that the team was not ready to compete that year, he explained that the team had a short window of opportunity to enter the top level, because the FISA side of the [[FISA–FOCA war]] wanted to add teams to improve its political position against the established [[Formula One Constructors' Association|FOCA]] teams like [[Brabham]], [[McLaren]], and [[Williams Racing|Williams]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Elson |first=James |date=2024-05-17 |title=The story of Ayrton Senna's first F1 car – the Toleman TG183B |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/the-story-of-ayrton-sennas-first-f1-car-the-toleman-tg183b/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> Toleman would later refuse to join FOCA's boycott of the [[1982 San Marino Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diepraam |first=Mattijs |date=2007-11-21 |title=Poachers turned gamekeepers: how the FOCA became the new FIA |url=https://www.forix.com/8w/fiasco-introduction-timeline.html |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=forix.autosport.com}}</ref>

The team continued to recruited talented engineers, signing Byrne's former Royale lieutenant [[Pat Symonds]] for 1981 by promising to double his salary.<ref name=":14" /> The team innovated by sourcing the first fibre-optic engine management system, which (according to Hawkridge) improved reliability.<ref name=":8" />

Most importantly, Toleman sought to distinguish itself from other small teams by commissioning its successful F2 engine supplier, [[Hart Racing Engines|Hart]], to produce [[turbocharger]] engines for the team.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Damien |date=2023-10-02 |title=Benetton: when F1 was in fashion |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-2023/96/benetton-when-f1-was-in-fashion/ |access-date=2024-12-11 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> By that time, Formula One was beginning to be dominated by turbo-powered cars, which outpaced the [[naturally aspirated]] engines previously dominant in the sport. Looking back, Symonds remarked that "if Alex and Ted Toleman had said, 'Let's go F1 racing, let's buy a [naturally aspirated Cosworth] [[Cosworth DFV|DFV]],' we'd have been a hell of a lot more successful in 1981 – but we wouldn’t have been around by 1990. We'd have been just another team."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Damien |date=2023-10-02 |title=Benetton: when F1 was in fashion |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-2023/96/benetton-when-f1-was-in-fashion/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== 1981–1982: Difficult early years ===
[[File:Toleman TG181.jpg|thumb|[[Toleman TG181]]]]
Toleman suffered greatly in the short run, due to growing pains associated with the innovative turbo technology and other issues. During this period, Toleman's cars were mocked in the racing press as "The Pig" (for their poor handling) and "The [[ARA General Belgrano|Belgrano]]" (for their oil leaks).<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Simon |date=2014-07-07 |title=Lunch With... Derek Warwick |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/april-2010/76/lunch-with-derek-warwick/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In 1981, the team retained [[Brian Henton]] and [[Derek Warwick]] from 1980's dominant F2 campaign, but the [[Toleman TG181]] was exceptionally poor, qualifying for just two races all season. Warwick remarked that the car was "impossible to drive" and that "we weren't just slow: we were seven seconds a lap off the back row."<ref name=":2" /> The team failed to qualify for a race until September, when Henton made the cut for the [[1981 Italian Grand Prix|Italian Grand Prix]].<ref>{{Cite news|url= https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/october-2021/39/birthday-bell-toles-for-team-enstone |title= Birthday bell Toles for Team Enstone |work= [[Motor Sport magazine]] |date= October 2021 |access-date= 22 May 2022}}</ref> Warwick qualified for the [[1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix|final race of the season]], winning a £25,000 bet for doing so.<ref name=":2" />[[File:Toleman TG183B front-left 2012 Autosport International.jpg|thumb|250px|The [[Toleman TG183]]]]In {{f1|1982}}, Henton left and was replaced by [[Teo Fabi]]. Nonetheless, the team managed to start qualifying consistently for races, but finished only two races all season, due in large part to engine reliability issues.<ref name=":0" /> The team used upgraded TG181Cs until the carbon-composite [[Toleman TG183]] (the team skipped the number TG182) was ready in late August. The TG183 was used in only two Grands Prix ([[1982 Italian Grand Prix|Italy]] and [[1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix|Las Vegas]]) that year, but Warwick did record the team's first fastest lap in the {{F1 GP|1982|Dutch}}.

With sponsor [[Candy (company)|Candy]] threatening to pull funding for 1983, the team resorted to a gimmick strategy to reach second place at the {{F1 GP|1982|British}}, however briefly. The team started Warwick on a half-tank of petrol, giving him a speed advantage over the other drivers' fully loaded cars. Warwick knew going in that he would not finish the race,<ref name=":7" /> and ran out of fuel after 40 laps.<ref name=":2" /> The team lied to the press that Warwick had suffered a mechanical failure.<ref name=":2" /> Satisfied with the positive exposure, Candy agreed to stay with the team.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Rencken |first=Dieter |last2=Collantine |first2=Keith |date=2020-04-24 |title=My F1 Cars: Derek Warwick on the wins that got away |url=https://www.racefans.net/2020/04/24/my-f1-cars-derek-warwick-on-the-wins-that-got-away/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=RaceFans |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== 1983: Emergence as a serious team ===
In {{f1|1983}}, the TG183B showed improved form thanks to a major update. Derek Warwick was retained, while Teo Fabi was replaced by [[Bruno Giacomelli]]. The budget increased as Candy's sponsorship was joined by [[Iveco]] brand [[Magirus]] and [[BP]].

The Hart turbos finally began showing true pace, with Warwick qualifying fifth and sixth in the first two races.<ref name=":0" /> The team peaked at the end of the season: Warwick scored the team's first points with a fourth-place finish at the [[1983 Dutch Grand Prix|Dutch Grand Prix]], kicking off a run of four consecutive scoring finishes to close out the year.<ref name=":0" /> Toleman finished 9th in the Constructors' Championship with ten points, putting itself a cut above the other backmarkers like [[Arrows Grand Prix International|Arrows]], [[Theodore Racing|Theodore]], [[Équipe Ligier|Ligier]], [[Spirit Racing|Spirit]], [[Automobili Turismo e Sport|ATS]], [[Osella]], and [[RAM Racing|RAM]], none of which scored more than four points.

=== 1984: Peaking with Ayrton Senna ===
In {{f1|1984}}, Warwick departed for the factory [[Renault F1|Renault]] team,<ref>{{cite web |title=Derek Warwick in focus |url=https://www.funof1.com.ar/tx/pi198104036_eng_maxi_.htm |website=Funo |access-date=1 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref> while Giacomelli left F1 for [[Championship Auto Racing Teams|CART]]. In response, the team scored a coup by signing highly touted rookie [[Ayrton Senna]], who had just won the [[1983 British Formula Three Championship]]. Senna tested for Toleman and immediately developed a rapport with Byrne, who begged Hawkridge to sign him.<ref name=":0" /> However, Senna knew that he had the talent to race for a top team – [[Bernie Ecclestone]] had considered signing him for [[Brabham]] to partner reigning Drivers' Champion [[Nelson Piquet]], but Piquet vetoed the idea<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |last=Malik |first=Ibrar |date=2020-04-22 |title=Ayrton Senna's Lotus years, by Ibrar Malik |url=http://www.talkingaboutf1.com/2020/04/ayrton-sennas-lotus-years-by-ibrar-malik.html |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Talking About F1}}</ref> – and negotiated a relatively low £100,000 release clause from Toleman.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=2022-08-24 |title=10 times F1 drivers didn't see out their contracts |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/10-times-f1-drivers-didnt-see-out-their-contracts/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=The Race |language=en}}</ref> Senna was paired with [[Venezuela]]n F2 driver and former dual [[Grand Prix motorcycle racing|Grand Prix Motorcycle]] World Champion [[Johnny Cecotto]]. However, Cecotto's F1 career ended mid-season when he broke both legs during practice for the [[1984 British Grand Prix|British Grand Prix]], and [[Stefan Johansson]] was eventually signed to finish out the season.

Toleman got off to a poor start, as the team was still using the 1983 cars for the first four races of 1984.<ref name=":0" /> Senna made his F1 debut at the {{F1 GP|1984|Brazilian}}, at [[Autódromo Internacional Nelson Piquet|Jacarepaguá]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1984 Brazilian Grand Prix |url=https://gparchive.com/formula-1/1984-brazilian-grand-prix/ |website=GP Archive |access-date=1 December 2024 |date=25 March 1984}}</ref> He qualified an unimpressive 17th (Cecotto qualified 18th), and both drivers retired with engine failures (Senna's retirement from a blown turbo on the 9th lap was in fact F1's first retirement of the season).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |title=F1 - The Official Home of Formula 1® Racing |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results/1984/races/466/brazil/qualifying/0 |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |access-date=1 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref> However, Senna rallied to score his first F1 point at round 2 in [[1984 South African Grand Prix|Kyalami]], despite suffering major front wing damage on the opening lap.<ref name=":0" /> He also scored at the following race at [[1984 Belgian Grand Prix|Spa-Francorchamps]], but only after [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]]'s [[Stefan Bellof]] was [[Tyrrell Racing#1984 controversy|disqualified from the entire season]] due to technical infringements.<ref name=":0" /> 

The demanding Senna quickly grew disillusioned with the team's [[Pirelli]] tyres;<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2021-05-06 |title=The day Ayrton Senna failed to qualify for an F1 grand prix |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/senna-failed-qualify-imola-1984/4788499/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240410203901/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/senna-failed-qualify-imola-1984/4788499/ |archive-date=2024-04-10 |access-date=2025-01-22 |language=en}}</ref> no Pirelli driver scored points through round 5 of the season, except Senna.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=2024-06-03 |title=40 years ago today: How a tyre war prompted Senna's unfinished Monaco masterpiece |url=https://www.racefans.net/2024/06/03/40-years-ago-today-how-a-tyre-war-prompted-sennas-unfinished-monaco-masterpiece/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=RaceFans |language=en-GB}}</ref> At [[1984 San Marino Grand Prix|Imola]], the team sat out the first day of qualifying due to disputes with Pirelli, which along with a fuel pressure problem on the second day, contributed to Senna's failure to qualify for the race (the only time he failed to qualify in his entire career). Following the race, Senna successfully induced Toleman to break its Pirelli contract and sign with [[Michelin]].<ref name=":4" /> Ironically, this decision eventually led to Toleman's demise and absorption by the [[Benetton Group]] in 1985 (see below).[[File:Toleman TG184 Senna Donington Grand Prix Collection.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Ayrton Senna's [[Toleman TG184]] car in which he took second place at the [[1984 Monaco Grand Prix]].]]The [[Toleman TG184|TG184]] and the new Michelin tyres were ready for the {{F1 GP|1984|French}}. Although both drivers retired, Senna was delighted with the immediate improvement in performance.<ref name=":4" /> The very next race, Senna announced himself to the world with a dazzling second-place finish at the torrentially rain-soaked [[1984 Monaco Grand Prix|Monaco Grand Prix]].<ref>{{cite web |title=F1 - The Official Home of Formula 1® Racing |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/results/1984/races/471/monaco/race-result |website=Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website |access-date=1 December 2024 |language=en}}</ref> When [[Jacky Ickx]] controversially called off the race after lap 31 of 77, Senna was closing in on leader [[Alain Prost]], whose brakes were repeatedly locking up due to a deteriorating [[brake balance]]. (That said, Senna's suspension was already on the verge of failure,{{Cn|date=January 2025}} and Bellof's (later-disqualified) Tyrell was actually faster than Senna at the end of the race.<ref name=":5" />) In the following years, a conspiracy theory developed that Ickx, a Porsche sportscar driver, called off the race to ensure that Prost's Porsche-powered McLaren would win.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite web |author=Craig Normansell |date=24 May 2011 |title=Top 5 Monaco Grand Prix |url=http://badgergp.com/2011/05/top-5-monaco-grands-prix/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911085138/http://badgergp.com/2011/05/top-5-monaco-grands-prix/ |archive-date=11 September 2013 |access-date=7 February 2014 |publisher=Badger GP |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Monaco Grand Prix 1984 - Interview Ickx |url=http://www.sportscars.tv/Newfiles/monaco'84ickx.html |access-date=7 February 2014 |publisher=Sportscars TV}}</ref>

The team's performance fell off in mid-season, with Senna finishing only one out of six races at one point due to mechanical failures. In addition, Cecotto finished only two out of nine races that season. The lone bright spot, of sorts, was the {{F1 GP|1984|British}}. The weekend was marred by Cecotto's injury, but Senna qualified fourth and scored his second Formula One podium. Fighting for third, he "hound[ed] [Elio] [[Elio de Angelis|de Angelis]] unmercifully" and picked up the position with two laps to go once de Angelis' engine faltered. Following the race, he received a large ovation from the [[Brands Hatch]] crowd.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-07-07 |title=1984 British Grand Prix race report - A four-ring circus |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/august-1984/59/the-british-grand-prix-15/ |access-date=2025-01-22 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Towards the end of the season, Senna announced his departure, having triggered his release clause to sign with [[Team Lotus]]. In response, Hawkridge suspended Senna for the {{F1 GP|1984|Italian}}; release clause or not, the Brazilian was still contractually obligated to inform Toleman before negotiating with other teams.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-15 |title=Remembering Ayrton Senna's Toleman Year |url=https://www.alpine-cars.co.uk/formula-1/f1-news/remembering-ayrton-sennas-toleman-year-2024.html |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=www.alpine-cars.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref> [[Pierluigi Martini]] filled in for Senna at Monza. Cecotto's belated replacement [[Stefan Johansson]] made his way from 17th place to 4th in his Toleman debut,<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Simon |date=2014-07-07 |title=Lunch with... Stefan Johansson |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-2010/68/lunch-with-stefan-johansson/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref> while Martini failed to qualify. Senna returned to the team for the final two races and finished off the year in style with a third podium at the {{F1 GP|1984|Portuguese}}.

Although not much was expected from the team who started the year with only their upgraded 1983 car and also with two untried rookie drivers, plus the underpowered [[Hart 415T engine|Hart]] turbo engine, Toleman finished a career-best 7th in the Constructors' Championship, scoring 16 points (13 courtesy of Senna, the other 3 from Johansson's 4th place in Italy). Senna also recorded the only three podiums in the team's history.

=== 1985: Near-collapse and sale to Benetton ===
Following Senna's departure, the Toleman team sought to maintain its momentum by retaining Johansson and signing [[John Watson (racing driver)|John Watson]] for the {{f1|1985}} season.<ref name=":6" /> In addition, that year's [[Toleman TG185|TG185]] was the first carbon [[monocoque]] to be fabricated in-house at the Witney factory.<ref name="grandprix.com" />

However, the team nearly collapsed. Michelin withdrew from F1 at the end of 1984, forcing the team to confront the fact that it had alienated every remaining tyre supplier in Formula One. Pirelli was unwilling to supply Toleman again after the events of 1984,<ref name=":1" /> and [[Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company|Goodyear]] was also upset at Hawkridge due to the manner in which Toleman switched from Goodyear to Pirelli in Formula Two. Without F1-quality tyres, Toleman was forced to sit out the first three races of the 1985 season.<ref name=":6" /> The team parted ways with both drivers: Johansson quit the team to join Tyrell and later Ferrari,<ref name=":6" /> and Watson unsuccessfully asked to be paid for the races Toleman was unable to enter for tyre reasons.{{Cn|date=January 2025}}

Toleman returned in round 4 at Monaco, after Italian fashion label [[United Colors of Benetton]] bought the team in mid-season and acquired a Pirelli supply contract from the defunct [[Spirit Racing|Spirit]] team.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcz.com/f1/team/toleman.htm |title=MCZ F1 Teams: Toleman Info Page |publisher=Mcz.com |access-date=2012-11-07}}</ref> Benetton kept the Toleman name until season's-end.<ref name=":1" /> The team initially lacked the funds to run multiple cars, so [[Teo Fabi]] was Toleman's sole driver for the first six races. [[Piercarlo Ghinzani]] joined Fabi for the final seven races. Toleman's final year in F1 was as unsuccessful as its early years, as the team finished only two races and scored no points. The team's last hurrah was Fabi's pole position at the {{F1 GP|1985|German}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Richard |date=2024-04-23 |title=Ted Toleman obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/23/ted-toleman-obituary |access-date=2025-01-23 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
When Ted Toleman sold the team to Benetton, the Italians promised to keep the staff together.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Damien |date=30 September 2023 |title=Ranking the top 10 Benetton F1 drivers |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ranking-the-top-10-benetton-f1-drivers/10526830/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=1 October 2023 |work=[[Autosport]]}}</ref> Rory Byrne and Pat Symonds, in particular, remained with the newly rebranded [[Benetton Formula]], which proceeded to hire a new crop of talent, including [[Flavio Briatore]] and [[Ross Brawn]]. Led by [[Michael Schumacher]], the Benetton team won two Drivers' Championships and one Constructors' Championship in the 1990s. Schumacher took Byrne and Brawn with him to [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]], and the two helped lead the turn-of-the-century Ferrari dynasty.<ref name=":15" /> Symonds and Briatore stayed with Benetton, which was later renamed to Renault (colloquially, "[[Team Enstone]]" after Benetton opened a new factory in [[Enstone, Oxfordshire]]). With new star [[Fernando Alonso]], Renault won two Drivers' Championships and two Constructors' Championships in the 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elson |first=James |date=2023-12-15 |title=The 'overwhelming confidence' linking Senna, Schumacher & Alonso |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/working-with-senna-schumacher-alonso-overwhelming-confidence/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

The original Toleman leadership (Toleman and Hawkridge) did not compete in Formula One again. Ted Toleman left England in 1993,<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-03 |title=Ted Toleman, boss of the underdog Formula One team that gave Ayrton Senna his first drive – obituary |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ted-toleman-boss-underdog-formula-115450619.html?guccounter=1 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> but intermittently remained involved in motor racing, managing the [[Australian Mini Challenge]] one make series.<ref name="AUSmotive">{{Cite web |date=2008-09-11 |title=Australian MINI CHALLENGE under new management |url=http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/09/10/australian-mini-challenge-under-new-management.html |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=AUSmotive.com |language=en-AU}}</ref> Alex Hawkridge eventually chaired a company that used racing simulators to coach aspiring drivers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foster |first=Ed |date=2014-07-07 |title=Sidetracked with Ed Foster |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/october-2013/123/sidetracked-with-one-mans-attempt-to-visit-all-fou/ |access-date=2025-01-24 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Complete Formula One results==
([[:Template:F1 driver results legend 5|key]])

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%"
|-
! Year
! Chassis
! Engines
! Tyres
! Drivers
! 1
! 2
! 3
! 4
! 5
! 6
! 7
! 8
! 9
! 10
! 11
! 12
! 13
! 14
! 15
! 16
! Points
! WCC
|-
! rowspan="3"| {{F1|1981}}
| rowspan="3"| [[Toleman TG181|TG181]]
| rowspan="3"| [[Hart Racing Engines|Hart]] 415T 1.5 [[Inline-four engine|L4]] [[Turbocharger|t]]
| rowspan="3"| {{Pirelli}}
|
| [[1981 United States Grand Prix West|USW]]
| [[1981 Brazilian Grand Prix|BRA]]
| [[1981 Argentine Grand Prix|ARG]]
| [[1981 San Marino Grand Prix|SMR]]
| [[1981 Belgian Grand Prix|BEL]]
| [[1981 Monaco Grand Prix|MON]]
| [[1981 Spanish Grand Prix|ESP]]
| [[1981 French Grand Prix|FRA]]
| [[1981 British Grand Prix|GBR]]
| [[1981 German Grand Prix|GER]]
| [[1981 Austrian Grand Prix|AUT]]
| [[1981 Dutch Grand Prix|NED]]
| [[1981 Italian Grand Prix|ITA]]
| [[1981 Canadian Grand Prix|CAN]]
| [[1981 Caesars Palace Grand Prix|CPL]]
||
!rowspan="3"| 0
!rowspan="3"| NC
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|UK}} [[Brian Henton]]
||
||
||
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNPQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 10
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
||
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|UK}} [[Derek Warwick]]
||
||
||
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNPQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
||
|-
! rowspan="3"| {{F1|1982}}
| rowspan="3"| [[Toleman TG181B|TG181B]]<br />[[Toleman TG181C|TG181C]]<br /> [[Toleman TG183|TG183]]
| rowspan="3"| [[Hart Racing Engines|Hart]] 415T 1.5 [[Inline-four engine|L4]] [[Turbocharger|t]]
| rowspan="3"| {{Pirelli}}
|
| [[1982 South African Grand Prix|RSA]]
| [[1982 Brazilian Grand Prix|BRA]]
| [[1982 United States Grand Prix West|USW]]
| [[1982 San Marino Grand Prix|SMR]]
| [[1982 Belgian Grand Prix|BEL]]
| [[1982 Monaco Grand Prix|MON]]
| [[1982 Detroit Grand Prix|DET]]
| [[1982 Canadian Grand Prix|CAN]]
| [[1982 Dutch Grand Prix|NED]]
| [[1982 British Grand Prix|GBR]]
| [[1982 French Grand Prix|FRA]]
| [[1982 German Grand Prix|GER]]
| [[1982 Austrian Grand Prix|AUT]]
| [[1982 Swiss Grand Prix|SUI]]
| [[1982 Italian Grand Prix|ITA]]
| [[1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix|CPL]]
!rowspan="3"| 0
!rowspan="3"| NC
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|UK}} [[Derek Warwick]]
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNPQ
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
||
||
| style="background:#efcfff;"| {{F1 race position|Ret|f}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 15
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 10
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Teo Fabi]]
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| NC
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNPQ
||
||
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
|-
! rowspan="3"| {{F1|1983}}
| rowspan="3"| [[Toleman TG183|TG183]]<br />[[Toleman TG183|TG183B]]
| rowspan="3"| [[Hart Racing Engines|Hart]] 415T 1.5 [[Inline-four engine|L4]] [[Turbocharger|t]]
| rowspan="3"| {{Pirelli}}
|
| [[1983 Brazilian Grand Prix|BRA]]
| [[1983 United States Grand Prix West|USW]]
| [[1983 French Grand Prix|FRA]]
| [[1983 San Marino Grand Prix|SMR]]
| [[1983 Monaco Grand Prix|MON]]
| [[1983 Belgian Grand Prix|BEL]]
| [[1983 Detroit Grand Prix|DET]]
| [[1983 Canadian Grand Prix|CAN]]
| [[1983 British Grand Prix|GBR]]
| [[1983 German Grand Prix|GER]]
| [[1983 Austrian Grand Prix|AUT]]
| [[1983 Dutch Grand Prix|NED]]
| [[1983 Italian Grand Prix|ITA]]
| [[1983 European Grand Prix|EUR]]
| [[1983 South African Grand Prix|RSA]]
||
!rowspan="3"| 10
!rowspan="3"| 9th
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|UK}} [[Derek Warwick]]
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 8
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 7
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| 4
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| 6
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| 5
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| 4
||
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Bruno Giacomelli]]
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 13<sup>†</sup>
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 8
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 9
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 13
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 7
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| 6
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
||
|-
! rowspan="5"| {{F1|1984}}
| rowspan="5"| [[Toleman TG183|TG183B]]<br />[[Toleman TG184|TG184]]
| rowspan="5"| [[Hart Racing Engines|Hart]] 415T 1.5 [[Inline-four engine|L4]] [[Turbocharger|t]]
| rowspan="5"| {{Pirelli}}<br />{{Michelin}}
|
| [[1984 Brazilian Grand Prix|BRA]]
| [[1984 South African Grand Prix|RSA]]
| [[1984 Belgian Grand Prix|BEL]]
| [[1984 San Marino Grand Prix|SMR]]
| [[1984 French Grand Prix|FRA]]
| [[1984 Monaco Grand Prix|MON]]
| [[1984 Canadian Grand Prix|CAN]]
| [[1984 Detroit Grand Prix|DET]]
| [[1984 Dallas Grand Prix|DAL]]
| [[1984 British Grand Prix|GBR]]
| [[1984 German Grand Prix|GER]]
| [[1984 Austrian Grand Prix|AUT]]
| [[1984 Dutch Grand Prix|NED]]
| [[1984 Italian Grand Prix|ITA]]
| [[1984 European Grand Prix|EUR]]
| [[1984 Portuguese Grand Prix|POR]]
!rowspan="5"| 16
!rowspan="5"| 7th
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|BRA|1968}} [[Ayrton Senna]]
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| 6
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| 6
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#dfdfdf;"| {{F1 race position|2|f}}<sup>‡</sup>
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 7
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 3
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
||
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffdf9f;"| 3
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|SWE}} [[Stefan Johansson]]
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
| style="background:#dfffdf;"| 4
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 11
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|Venezuela|1930}} [[Johnny Cecotto]]
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| NC
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 9
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
||
||
||
||
||
||
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Pierluigi Martini]]
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
| style="background:#ffcfcf;"| DNQ
||
||
|-
! rowspan="3"| {{F1|1985}}
| rowspan="3"| [[Toleman TG185|TG185]]
| rowspan="3"| [[Hart Racing Engines|Hart]] 415T 1.5 [[Inline-four engine|L4]] [[Turbocharger|t]]
| rowspan="3"| {{Pirelli}}
|
| [[1985 Brazilian Grand Prix|BRA]]
| [[1985 Portuguese Grand Prix|POR]]
| [[1985 San Marino Grand Prix|SMR]]
| [[1985 Monaco Grand Prix|MON]]
| [[1985 Canadian Grand Prix|CAN]]
| [[1985 Detroit Grand Prix|DET]]
| [[1985 French Grand Prix|FRA]]
| [[1985 British Grand Prix|GBR]]
| [[1985 German Grand Prix|GER]]
| [[1985 Austrian Grand Prix|AUT]]
| [[1985 Dutch Grand Prix|NED]]
| [[1985 Italian Grand Prix|ITA]]
| [[1985 Belgian Grand Prix|BEL]]
| [[1985 European Grand Prix|EUR]]
| [[1985 South African Grand Prix|RSA]]
| [[1985 Australian Grand Prix|AUS]]
!rowspan="3"| 0
!rowspan="3"| NC
|-
|align="left"| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Teo Fabi]]
||
||
||
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 14<sup>†</sup>
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| {{F1 race position|Ret|p}}
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#cfcfff;"| 12
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
|-
|align="left"| {{nowrap|{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Piercarlo Ghinzani]]}}
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
||
| style="background:white;"| DNS
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:white;"| DNS
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
| style="background:#efcfff;"| Ret
|-
! colspan="23" | Sources:<ref name=MotorsportStats>{{cite web|title=Toleman Group Motorsport Results|url=https://motorsportstats.com/team/toleman/results|work=Motorsport Stats|access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Toleman|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/teams/toleman/|work=[[Motor Sport (magazine)|Motor Sport]]|access-date=12 February 2025}}</ref>
|}

;Notes
*† – The driver did not finish the Grand Prix, but was classified, as he completed over 90% of the race distance.
*‡ – Half points awarded as less than 75% of the race distance was completed.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.mcz.com/f1/team/toleman.htm MCZ.com]
* [http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/con-tolem.html Grandprix.com]
* [http://forix.autosport.com/cmake.php?l=0&r=1981000435&c=0 Forix.autosport.com]
* [https://www.imdb.com/it/name/nm17093624/?ref_=ttfc_fcr_3_263 Toleman] - At [[IMDb]]

{{Toleman}}
{{Formula One constructors}}

[[Category:Formula One constructors]]
[[Category:Formula One entrants]]
[[Category:Formula Two entrants]]
[[Category:British auto racing teams]]
[[Category:British racecar constructors]]