Introduction: The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 was the first car built for the Ferrari F1 team by John Barnard. It was the first Ferrari F1 car to have a carbon-fibre chassis and a transverse gearbox. It was driven by Nigel Mansell and Gerhard Berger and it was a highly successful car, winning four Grands Prix during the 1989 season. The F1 89 was the last F1 car to be designed by Barnard before he left the team in 1990.
Engine:
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 was powered by a 3.5 litre V12 engine, the same engine that had been used in the previous season’s cars. The engine was capable of producing upwards of 740bhp at 12,500rpm, making it one of the most powerful F1 engines of its time.
Chassis and Suspension:
The F1 89 was the first Ferrari F1 car to feature a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, which was designed by John Barnard. The chassis was stiffer and lighter than the aluminium monocoques used in previous cars, and it was also designed to be more aerodynamically efficient. The suspension was also redesigned, with double wishbones at the front and pushrod-activated springs and dampers at the rear.
Transmission:
The Ferrari F1 89 was the first Ferrari F1 car to be fitted with a transverse gearbox. The transverse gearbox allowed for a more efficient power transfer from the engine to the wheels, as well as improved aerodynamic performance. The gearbox was operated by a semi-automatic system, with the driver being able to manually shift gears if necessary.
Aerodynamics:
The aerodynamics of the F1 89 were designed to be as efficient as possible. The car featured a flat bottom and a raised nose, which helped to reduce drag and improve downforce. The car also featured a high rear wing, which further improved the downforce generated by the car.
Racing Performance:
The F1 89 was a highly successful car, winning four Grand Prix races during the 1989 season. Nigel Mansell won the Japanese Grand Prix in the car, and Gerhard Berger won the Canadian and Portuguese Grand Prix. The car also finished on the podium in seven other races, and was a regular contender for race victories throughout the season.
Legacy:
The Ferrari F1 89 was one of the most successful F1 cars of its time and it has gone down in history as one of the most iconic Ferrari designs. The car was the last F1 car to be designed by John Barnard before he left the team in 1990, and it marked the start of a new era for Ferrari in F1.
Gallery of ‘1989 Ferrari F1 89’:
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Nigel Mansell at the 1989 San Marino Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Gerhard Berger at the 1989 Canadian Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Gerhard Berger at the 1989 French Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Nigel Mansell at the 1989 British Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Gerhard Berger at the 1989 Italian Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Nigel Mansell at the 1989 Portuguese Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Gerhard Berger at the 1989 Spanish Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Gerhard Berger at the 1989 Mexican Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Nigel Mansell at the 1989 Japanese Grand Prix.
The 1989 Ferrari F1 89 driven by Gerhard Berger at the 1989 Australian Grand Prix.