Cosworth F1 Engines: Complete Technical History (2000-2013)

Complete technical history of the most successful independent engine manufacturer in Formula 1 (1967-2013)

Manufacturer Information

Founders: Mike Costin & Keith Duckworth (1933-2005)

Nation: United Kingdom

First Entry: 1967 Monaco Grand Prix (Lotus 49)

Last Entry: 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix (Marussia MR02)

Notable Achievement: Powered 13 Drivers’ Championships and 10 Constructors’ Championships

Complete Career Statistics

681

Races Entered

176

Race Victories

535

Podium Finishes

140

Pole Positions

161

Fastest Laps

4,463.5

Championship Points

Constructors’ Championships (10)

1968 (Lotus)

1969 (Matra)

1970 (Lotus)

1971 (Tyrrell)

1972 (Lotus)

1973 (Lotus)

1974 (McLaren)

1978 (Lotus)

1980 (Williams)

1981 (Williams)

Drivers’ Championships (13)

1968: Graham Hill

1969: Jackie Stewart

1970: Jochen Rindt

1971: Jackie Stewart

1972: Emerson Fittipaldi

1973: Jackie Stewart

1974: Emerson Fittipaldi

1976: James Hunt

1978: Mario Andretti

1980: Alan Jones

1981: Nelson Piquet

1982: Keke Rosberg

1994: Michael Schumacher*

* Schumacher won with a Benetton powered by Cosworth-developed Ford Zetec-R V8

Engine Development by Era

The DFV Era: Dominance (1967-1983)

The revolutionary Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve) dominated Formula 1 for 15 years, winning 155 Grands Prix and 12 Drivers’ Championships.

DFV (1967-1983)

Configuration: 90° V8

Displacement: 2,993 cm³

Power: 410 hp (1967) to 520 hp (1983)

Weight: 168 kg

Material: Aluminum block and heads

Teams: Lotus, McLaren, Tyrrell, Williams, Brabham, etc.

DFY (1983-1985)

Evolution: Short-stroke version of DFV

Power: 530 hp @ 11,500 rpm

Weight: 150 kg

Notable: Last race win at 1983 Detroit GP

Turbocharged Era (1983-1988)

Cosworth adapted to the turbo era with the GBA engine, though they struggled against factory efforts.

GBA (1983-1988)

Configuration: 80° V6 Turbo

Displacement: 1,499 cm³

Power: 750-950 hp (race trim)

Boost: Up to 4.0 bar (qualifying)

Teams: Haas Lola, Benetton

Best Result: 3rd (1984 Italian GP)

DFZ (1987)

Special: Naturally aspirated for non-turbo teams

Power: 575 hp @ 10,750 rpm

Success: Won final NA race at 1987 Mexican GP

Modern Era (2000-2013)

Cosworth returned as an independent engine supplier with V10 and V8 power units.

CR Series V10 (2000-2005)

Configuration: 72° V10

Power: 805-900 hp

RPM: Up to 19,000

Teams: Jaguar, Minardi, Red Bull

Highlight: 3rd at 2005 Malaysian GP

CA Series V8 (2006, 2010-2013)

Configuration: 90° V8

Displacement: 2,400 cm³

RPM: 18,000

Teams: Williams, Toro Rosso, HRT, Virgin

Highlight: Pole at 2009 German GP

Modern Era Championship Performance (2000-2013)

Best Constructors: 6th (2010)

Best Driver: Eddie Irvine (9th, 2002)

Season	Position	Points	Teams
2000	9th	4	Jaguar
2001	8th	10	Jaguar
2002	7th	8	Jaguar, Arrows, Minardi
2003	7th	18	Jaguar, Minardi
2004	7th	34	Jaguar, Minardi
2005	7th	34	Red Bull, Minardi
2006	8th	11	Williams, Toro Rosso
2010	6th	69	Williams, HRT, Virgin
2011	9th	5	HRT, Virgin
2012	11th	0	HRT
2013	10th	0	Marussia

Engineering Legacy

Revolutionary DFV Design

The DFV introduced the integrated engine-as-stressed-member concept that became the F1 standard. Its compact V8 architecture was copied for decades.

Privateer Support

Supplied engines to over 60% of F1 teams during the DFV era. Enabled smaller teams to compete against factory efforts.

Materials Innovation

Pioneered advanced aluminum casting techniques achieving 94kg weight (2004 CR-6) and high-RPM reliability.

Memorable Moments

1967 Dutch Grand Prix

Jim Clark wins the DFV’s debut race in the Lotus 49 – beginning of the most successful engine in F1 history.

1968-1982 Dominance

DFV-powered cars won 155 races between 1967-1985, including 12 Drivers’ Championships.

1976 Japanese Grand Prix

James Hunt wins the championship in a McLaren M23 powered by Cosworth DFV.