In a sport defined by inches and innovation, the Tyrrell P34 stands as one of Formula 1’s boldest gambles. A six-wheeled machine that actually worked—briefly. It looked like a toy, confused fans, and stunned rivals. But just as quickly as it arrived, it vanished. Why?
Let’s dive into what made the P34 so different, whether it was better or worse than conventional cars, what made the FIA eventually outlaw it, and the moments that left everyone laughing on the pit wall.
What Made the P34 Different?
The key innovation? Four front wheels.
Chief designer Derek Gardner’s logic was deceptively simple: make the front wheels small (10 inches) and double them up. This reduced aerodynamic drag—since the tires sat below the nose—and increased grip, because more rubber touched the road.
“The theory was sound,” said Gardner. “Smaller wheels meant less drag, and more contact patch gave more braking and steering power.”
It wasn’t just theory. The P34 worked. In 1976, it claimed five podiums and a stunning 1–2 victory at the Swedish Grand Prix, with Jody Scheckter and Patrick Depailler behind the wheel. It proved that six wheels weren’t just a gimmick—they could win races.
Was It Better Than Four-Wheel Rivals?
For a short time, yes.
The P34’s front-end grip was extraordinary. Drivers reported better cornering feel and more confident braking. Its aerodynamics were cleaner due to the narrow front profile. It was more complex and heavier up front, but the benefits often outweighed those costs—especially on tracks where front grip was critical.
But by 1977, the magic wore off. Why?
Goodyear—the exclusive tire supplier—had little interest in continuously developing bespoke 10-inch front tires just for Tyrrell. The rest of the grid used standard 13-inch wheels. Tyrrell’s small front tires lagged in performance, especially as tire technology advanced elsewhere.
Jody Scheckter, the only man to win in the P34, was blunt:
“The car was a piece of junk. It was a good idea, but the execution was terrible.”
That contrast—good idea, poor support—led to rapid decline.
Why Was the P34 (and Other 6-Wheelers) Banned?
The P34 itself wasn’t banned in 1976 or 1977. In fact, it was legal as long as it conformed to the rules—two driven wheels, four total steering wheels, max width, etc.
But after Tyrrell dropped the project, other teams began experimenting. Williams built a six-wheeler with four driven rear wheels—the FW07D and FW08B prototypes—targeting improved traction and acceleration. March and Ferrari explored similar ideas.
That triggered alarms.
By 1983, the FIA acted: a new rule stated F1 cars must have exactly four wheels, and only two may be driven. This wasn’t aimed at the P34 retroactively—it was preemptive, to stop future multi-wheel arms races.
Cost, complexity, and fairness were the main concerns. Imagine a grid full of 6-, 8-, or even 10-wheeled cars from factory teams. Smaller outfits like Tyrrell, already struggling, would be obliterated.
The Funniest (and Strangest) Moments
With four tiny front wheels and narrow nose, the P34 looked like it came from a child’s drawing.
Pit crews sometimes forgot to bring enough front tires—because no other team used them, and the logistics were confusing. Mechanics joked about needing “a shopping cart full of wheels” to prep the car.
Drivers said fans would double-take during pit walks:
“People thought it was a joke,” Patrick Depailler once said. “They’d laugh—until they saw it flying through Eau Rouge.”
At one wet race, Scheckter spun out and blamed the “front four” working against the “rear two.” The team joked they needed “a driver with four hands and two brains” to handle it.
The P34’s: Mad Genius
Was the P34 better than four-wheelers? Briefly, yes.
Was it sustainable? No.
Was it banned because it dominated? Not quite—but it could’ve opened a Pandora’s box.
Today, the Tyrrell P34 is a cult icon—a rare time when wild innovation hit the racetrack and won. In a world now defined by strict regulations, it’s a nostalgic reminder of when creativity ruled the paddock.
