Benetton Formula 1 car colourful livery — Michael Schumacher first two championships B194 B195
Now Renault/Alpine1986–2001

Benetton

Michael Schumacher's first two World Championships. The team that launched the greatest F1 career.

1
Constructors' Titles
2
Drivers' Titles
27
Total Wins
16
Seasons
Photo: Unsplash — Royalty-free

Benetton Formula Ltd

Benetton Formula was the racing team of the Italian fashion company Benetton Group. The team is best known as the launchpad for Michael Schumacher's career. Schumacher won his first two Drivers' Championships with Benetton in 1994 and 1995. The 1994 season was controversial, with allegations of illegal traction control software and the collision with Damon Hill in the final race. Benetton was sold to Renault in 2001.

  • 1986–1991: Building phase — Thierry Boutsen, Nelson Piquet, Roberto Moreno
  • 1992–1993: Schumacher arrives — first wins, building towards championship
  • 1994–1995: Schumacher era — 2 championships, controversy, dominance
  • 1996–2001: Post-Schumacher decline — sold to Renault in 2001
Founded
1986
Headquarters
Enstone, Oxfordshire, England, UK
F1 Entry
1986
F1 Exit
2001
Total Seasons
16 seasons
Total Races
260
Total Wins
27
Total Poles
16
Total Podiums
68
1
Constructors'
Championships
2
Drivers'
Championships
Benetton B195 (1995)
9 wins from 17 races · Renault RS7 3.0L V10 · Schumacher's 2nd title

The B195 was the car in which Michael Schumacher won his second consecutive championship, this time without controversy. Powered by Renault V10, the B195 was a beautifully developed car that Schumacher drove to 9 victories. It was Benetton's most complete championship-winning package.

Benetton was sold to Renault in 2001 and became Renault F1 Team, then Lotus (2012–2015), then Renault again (2016–2020), and now Alpine (2021–present).

Every Benetton F1 Car

* Race and win statistics cover championship rounds only. Non-championship races excluded. Data sourced from FIA official records and credible motorsport publications.

Awards by Year

1994
Michael SchumacherConstructors'Drivers'
Benetton B194

Schumacher's first title. Controversial season with traction control allegations and Hill collision.

Est. Season Cost
Est. $80M
1995
Michael SchumacherConstructors'Drivers'
Benetton B195

Schumacher's second title. Benetton's only Constructors' Championship.

Est. Season Cost
Est. $90M

Annual Spend

1994
Est. $80M

Championship-winning season. Ford engine supply.

1995
Est. $90M

Double championship with Renault power.

2001
Est. $120M

Final season before sale to Renault.

Budget Disclaimer: Pre-2021 figures are independent analyst estimates from public sources. Teams did not disclose exact budgets. Post-2021 figures reflect the FIA Cost Cap (excludes driver salaries, top-3 staff wages, engine development, and marketing). Total operation estimates include excluded items.