Unusual F1 Team Names That Raised Eyebrows

The Rebrands of AlphaTauri and Sauber for the 2024 Season

In a surprising turn of events, two Formula 1 teams decided to undergo rebranding for the upcoming 2024 campaign. Red Bull’s sister squad, previously known as AlphaTauri, has now transformed into Visa Cash App RB. On the other hand, Sauber bid farewell to its Alfa Romeo guise and embraced a title sponsorship with online casino company Stake and live streaming platform Kick.

This move has sparked controversy amongst F1 enthusiasts and experts alike. Autosport’s Alex Kalinauckas points out that these rebrands are primarily seen as “branding exercises” aimed at securing additional funds rather than genuine transformations within the sport.

The Oddities in Formula 1 History: Unconventional Team Names

Throughout Formula 1’s rich history since its inauguration in 1950, not all teams have possessed illustrious names like Ferrari or McLaren. Here we take a look at five peculiar team names that made their mark on grand prix weekends:

Antique Automobiles – Embracing Racing Heritage (1969-1970)

A unique privateer team managed by Colin Crabbe emerged on the scene during this period – Antique Automobiles. Known for his expertise in historic racing cars trading, Crabbe named his team after his passion for antique automobiles.

Antique Automobiles entered a single car in fourteen grands prix within the official FIA World Championship. To achieve this, the team struck deals with other established teams, renting their cars for each race.

The British outfit made its debut at the 1969 Race of Champions but encountered mechanical issues that prevented driver Roy Pike from starting his Brabham BT23B due to a fuel pump failure. However, Antique Automobiles showcased their commitment by participating in the iconic 1969 Monaco Grand Prix later that year, with Vic Elford driving a Cooper T86 and securing an impressive seventh-place finish.

Antique Automobiles was quite competitive during its time in Formula 1. Elford’s consistent performances earned him points at the French and British Grands Prix, finishing fourteenth overall in the championship standings.

Clarke-Mordaunt-Guthrie-Durlacher – A Complex Combination (1971-1973)

In an era where teamwork meant more than just drivers on track, Clarke-Mordaunt-Guthrie-Durlacher joined forces to establish their own team for three seasons spanning from 1971 to 1973.

This peculiarly named team utilized March chassis – initially entering as Clarke-Mordaunt-Guthrie before being joined by Jack Durlacher for the latter two seasons and becoming known as Clarke-Mordaunt-Guthrie-Durlacher

Unfortunately, success eluded them throughout their tenure in Formula 1. Despite Mike Beuttler’s commendable seventh-place finish at the 1973 Spanish Grand Prix using a March car, they failed to score any championship points during their existence.

Conclusion

F1 has seen its fair share of unconventional team names over time. While some rebrands may raise eyebrows or be seen as branding exercises aimed at generating additional funds rather than genuine transformations within motorsport, these unique identities have added a touch of intrigue and individuality to the sport, making Formula 1 an ever-evolving and fascinating spectacle.