Benetton Formula Ltd., commonly referred to simply as Benetton, was a Formula One constructor that participated from 1986 to 2001. The team was owned by the Benetton family who ran a worldwide chain of clothing stores of the same name. In 2000 the team was purchased by Renault, but competeted as Benetton for the 2001 season. In 2002 the team became Renault F1. History
The Benetton team was built on the ashes of the Toleman team, who performed well in 1984 with then-beginner Ayrton Senna, but could not compete in 1985 because it had no contract with a tyre manufacturer. The racing team itself was managed by Flavio Briatore from 1990 until 1997. Rocco Benetton, the youngest son of Luciano Benetton joined the team as aerodynamics engineer in 1998 and fired Briatore. He replaced him with Prodrive boss David Richards, who lasted only for a year when he too was fired, due to a disagreement with the Benetton family about future strategy. Following Richards' departure, Rocco Benetton managed the team for three years until its sale to Renault. Rocco Benetton successfully managed to achieve an unheard of salesprice in F1 terms. The Benetton team is best known for its success with Michael Schumacher. He accounts for 21 of the team's 27 career victories and their 2 driver's championships. They won the constructor's championship in 1995 with Schumacher and Johnny Herbert. After 1995, Schumacher moved to Ferrari along with Ross Brawn, Nigel Stepney, Rory Byrne and 11 other key figures from his two championship winning seasons with Benetton. From this point, the Benetton team was never what it once was. Benetton began with BMW engines and then switched to Ford. After Schumacher's first title Benetton switched to the Renault V10. The team was purchased by Renault on March 16 2000 for $120 million USD. Renault brought back Flavio Briatore as team manager. During the 2001 season the drivers Jenson Button and Giancarlo Fisichella were often on the back two rows of the grid. This was in part attributed to the new 110-degree wide angle engine. The team was renamed Renault F1 for 2002 and in 2005 would see its driver Fernando Alonso win the World Championship, as well as taking home the Constructors Championship. Former drivers for Benetton include: Michael Schumacher
Ayrton Senna (when it was called Toleman)
Riccardo Patrese
Jyrki Järvilehto
Giancarlo Fisichella
Alexander Wurz
Johnny Herbert
Jenson Button
Jos Verstappen
Alessandro Nannini
Thierry Boutsen
Nelson Piquet
Roberto Moreno
Martin Brundle
Jean Alesi
Gerhard Berger | 
