Notable F1 Teams That Changed Their Names
Formula 1 World Champions: A legacy of racing legends
What teams have changed their names in F1 history?
F1 Teams That Have Changed Their Names Throughout History
Explore the most notable F1 teams that have changed their names throughout history, including Renault, Red Bull, and Mercedes. Discover the evolution of F1 team identities.
In the ever-evolving world of Formula 1 (F1), team names have undergone significant changes over the years. Whether driven by ownership changes, sponsorship deals, or branding strategies, F1 team name shifts are a common occurrence. These transformations not only reflect the dynamic nature of the sport but also play a part in the team's legacy and identity. Below, we highlight some of the most notable F1 teams that have changed their names in the history of the sport.
1. Renault / Lotus / Renault (Again)
The story of the Renault F1 Team is one of the most prominent examples of a name change driven by ownership and branding shifts. Initially entering F1 in the 1970s, Renault purchased the Benetton F1 Team in 2000 and rebranded it as Renault F1 Team. After Renault's partial withdrawal in 2009, the team was sold to Genii Capital and rebranded as Lotus F1 Team in 2012, honoring the legendary British team, despite no ownership connection. In 2016, Renault returned to full control and rebranded the team back to Renault F1 Team. Since 2021, the team has competed under the Alpine F1 Team banner, aligning with Renault’s performance brand focus.
2. Benetton / Renault
Benetton F1 Team, originally founded as Tyrrell Racing, was purchased by the Italian fashion company Benetton in 1986. The team enjoyed major success in the 1990s, with Michael Schumacher winning his first World Championship with Benetton in 1994. In 2000, Renault took full control of the team, marking the end of the Benetton name in F1 as it was rebranded as Renault F1 Team.
3. Tyrrell / BAR / Honda / Brawn GP / Mercedes
The Tyrrell Racing Team, a key player in F1 since 1968, was rebranded multiple times. In 1999, it was sold to British American Tobacco (BAT) and became British American Racing (BAR). After Honda purchased the team in 2006, it was known as Honda F1 Team. The team was sold to Ross Brawn in 2009 and rebranded as Brawn GP, where Jenson Button secured both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships in a fairy-tale season. In 2010, Mercedes-Benz acquired Brawn GP and renamed the team Mercedes GP, which eventually became Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
4. Jaguar / Red Bull Racing
Jaguar Racing, part of Ford Motor Company, entered F1 in 2000 after acquiring Stewart Grand Prix. Despite its efforts, Jaguar Racing struggled to perform at the highest level. In 2004, Ford sold the team to the Red Bull Energy Drink company, which rebranded it as Red Bull Racing. Under this new identity, Red Bull Racing went on to achieve remarkable success, claiming multiple Constructors’ and Drivers' Championships with Sebastian Vettel.
5. Toyota / Panasonic Toyota Racing
Toyota entered F1 in 2002, initially operating under the name Toyota Racing. The following year, the team became known as Panasonic Toyota Racing due to a partnership with the electronics giant. However, after years of underperformance, Toyota exited F1 in 2009, and the team was disbanded. Although Toyota did not return to the sport, its legacy remains in the infrastructure and personnel that were absorbed by other F1 teams.
6. Sauber / BMW Sauber / Sauber (Again) / Alfa Romeo
Sauber F1 Team has undergone several name changes over its history. After entering F1 in 1993, the team was taken over by BMW in 2005, becoming BMW Sauber. In 2009, after BMW's withdrawal, the team reverted to the Sauber F1 Team name under Peter Sauber's leadership. In 2018, a partnership with Alfa Romeo led to the rebranding of the team as Alfa Romeo Racing, with the team still known as Alfa Romeo F1 Team as of 2024.
7. Minardi / Toro Rosso / AlphaTauri
The Minardi F1 Team, founded in 1985, was sold to Red Bull in 2005 and rebranded as Toro Rosso. In 2016, the team’s name changed once again, this time to AlphaTauri, a nod to Red Bull's fashion brand. AlphaTauri continues to serve as Red Bull Racing's sister team, while promoting its clothing line and remaining a key part of the F1 landscape.
8. Stewart / Jaguar Racing / Red Bull Racing
Stewart Grand Prix, established in 1997 by Sir Jackie Stewart, had a brief yet significant presence in F1. In 2000, Ford acquired the team and rebranded it as Jaguar Racing. Later, in 2005, Ford sold the team to Red Bull, and it was rebranded as Red Bull Racing, marking the rise of one of the most successful teams in modern F1 history.
Conclusion: The Evolution of F1 Team Names
The world of Formula 1 continues to evolve, and so do the names of the teams that compete. Changes in ownership, sponsorship, and branding strategies reflect the dynamic and competitive nature of the sport. From Renault to Red Bull Racing, these name changes are part of F1's rich and ongoing history. While the names may change, the legacy and pursuit of excellence remain constant, ensuring that each team’s story continues to shape the future of Formula 1.
Up Next
