How iconic cars from F1 history changed the sport

With the start of the 2025 season fast approaching, the F1 teams will be soon be revealing their new cars to the world, each hoping that their challenger might one day earn a place amongst the most influential cars in the sport’s history.

But which cars from Formula 1’s past have already achieved this feat? Well, F1 TV’s Sam Collins, Craig Scarborough and Albert Fabrega are back to answer that question in a new series of Tech Talk Retro, as they go back in time to examine some of F1’s most iconic cars and how they changed the sport.

In the first episode (shown in the video above), Collins nominates the often-overlooked Arrows A23 to join the ranks of the cars that changed F1. With this one being something of a chameleon, Fabrega recalls working on the same car when it later returned in its Super Aguri guise, while Scarborough gives a deep dive into the importance of the A23’s design.

Next up in the Tech Talk Retro series is the Lotus 49 (shown in the video below).

Is this the most influential F1 car ever made? While our experts debate its revolutionary construction, perhaps even more incredible is that this is a rare case where all three presenters agree!

Tech Talk Retro: Lotus 49 - The most influential F1 car ever?

Next, Fabrega picks out the McLaren MP4/1 in Episode 3 (shown below), the first Formula 1 car to have a carbon fibre chassis... or is it?

Scarborough also celebrates its fizzy drink-inspired body shape – decades before the arrival of Red Bull!

Tech Talk Retro: McLaren MP4/1 - Carbon Fibre Pioneer

Scarborough, meanwhile, selects the Tyrrell 019 in Episode 4 (shown below), a machine that proves it isn't always the most successful cars that have changed the sport.

Despite never winning a race, one of Tyrell's last cars started a revolution in front wing design that lasted for decades.

Tech Talk Retro: Tyrrell 019 - The nose that changed F1

Check out all episodes of Tech Talk Retro Series 2 – as well as those from Series 1 – on F1 TV by clicking here.

Other shows available on F1 TV include F1 Icons, which tells the exhilarating stories of legendary drivers of the past, and Greatest Comebacks, a delve into the archives that showcases some of F1’s most inspirational tales of determination and courage.

Additionally, depending on where you are in the world, an F1 TV subscription will unlock thousands of hours of further exclusive shows, highlights and race replays alongside live F1, F2 and F3 coverage. For more information on subscribing to F1 TV Pro you can click here.