Michael Schumacher

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Lore & Background

In 1996, Schumacher drove the F310, a car notable for being Ferrari's first V10-powered Formula One entry since the mid-1980s. The engine, engineered by former Honda technician Osamu Goto, represented a compromise between power and fuel efficiency over the thirsty V12 or underpowered V8. Initially, the F310 featured a unique low nose and high cockpit sides intended to aid cooling but which ultimately hindered aerodynamics. Chief designer John Barnard had planned for a high nose from the start, which was finally adopted permanently from the Canadian Grand Prix onwards. The car also introduced dashboard gauges mounted directly to the steering wheel. Despite these innovations, Schumacher achieved three Grand Prix wins, while teammate Eddie Irvine suffered eight consecutive retirements and three straight double retirements. Reflecting years later on this difficult machinery, Schumacher referred to the F310 as 'a parachute'.

In Their Own Story

The 1997 season saw the debut of the F310B, developed by new hires Rory Byrne and Ross Brawn after John Barnard's departure. They used the F310 as a base to improve the car's shape and mechanicals, resulting in a five-time winning package that was significantly more reliable than its predecessor. Schumacher honored his pre-season promise of challenging for the title, taking the fight to the final round against Jacques Villeneuve. However, the season ended in controversy at the Jerez circuit. In an attempt to defend his position from Villeneuve, Schumacher made a botched move that sent him into the gravel, forcing his retirement. This incident led to his disqualification from the 1997 season results, though Ferrari retained their constructors' points. The F310 and F310B combined for eight Grand Prix wins, 22 podiums, and seven pole positions across the two years.

Reader's Guide

Drivers of the F310 and F310B faced a car that was an ongoing project with structural issues early in its life. In 1996, teams had to use parts from the 1995 car while engineers cured structural problems. The low nose design made the F310 unique at the start of the season, though the high nose became standard by mid-year. Schumacher's feedback was critical; he noted the front stability issues on the B version shortly after Byrne and Brawn joined. A new front wing assembly introduced later helped improve the package. For fans reviewing this era, remember that despite the car being described as 'an awful car' or 'almost undriveable' by Irvine and Barnard, Schumacher managed to extract three wins in 1996 and pushed for the title in 1997 before his disqualification.

Did You Know?

• The F310 was the first Ferrari Formula One car to run on Shell fuel since the 312B3 in 1973.
• Michael Schumacher described the F310 as 'a parachute' when reflecting on it many years later.
• Eddie Irvine suffered eight consecutive retirements, mostly mechanical, while driving the F310 in 1996.
• The F310 was the first Formula One car to feature dashboard gauges mounted directly to the steering wheel.
• Schumacher's attempt to defend his position from Jacques Villeneuve at the 1997 season finale led to his disqualification from that year's results.