Ferrari F2004 was “The Ultimate Formula One Car Ever Made” if you look back in 2004 F1 season. This car was built for the 2004 season, the car contributed to one of the most dominant campaigns in Formula One history for Michael Schumacher and the Ferrari team and ultimately stands as one of the greatest F1 cars of all time.
About us Technical partnerships & Engineering excellence
Designed by Ross Brawn (Technical Director), Rory Byrne (Chief Designer) and Paolo Martinelli (Engine Development), the F2004 was a continuation of its predecessor, the F2003-GA, with a host of refinements.
F2004 Key Technical Features:
PU: 3.0L V10 (~930-950 HP @ 19,000 RPM)
Weight: 605 kg (FIA minimum weight including driver and fluids)
Chassis: High end carbon fiber monocoque with cutting edge aerodynamics
Transmission: 7-speed semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox
Aerodynamics:
Full aero package of modified front and rear wings for maximum downforce
Aggressive Bargeboard Design to Improve the Airflow
Lower center of gravity for improved handling
Tires: Bridgestone custom tires, made exclusively for Ferrari
Fuel & Strategy: Refueling was permitted, which meant the cars could be lighter and faster at the start of the race
Unparalleled Performance & Records
The Ferrari F2004 was the car to beat during 2004, taking 15 of 18 race wins—one of the finest seasons in F1 history.
Important F2004 Milestones:
Swept 15 of 18 races in 2004
Michael Schumacher won his 7th and final World Championship
Ferrari won the Constructors’ Championship fairly easily
Lap records at iconic circuits such are Monza and Shanghai (some of which remain, unbroken)
DNFs: 2 (both collisions, not mechanical issues, during the entire season)
Why Was the F2004 So Special?
Unmatched Speed – With close to 1000 HP in qualifier trim and an incredibly lightweight chassis, the F2004 was one of the fastest F1 cars of all time.
Reliability – Where many competitors suffered mechanical failures, the F2004 rarely did.
Aerodynamic Efficiency — The car’s evolved aerodynamics meant it was always stable and quick across all circuits.
Tire Advantage – Ferrari had a unique edge with Bridgestone.
Strategic refueling – Starting with lower fuel loads allowed for improved race speed and control.
Even two decades on, the Ferrari F2004 remains a titan of the motorsport history books. It encapsulates a V10-era zenith, paired with an engineering mindset that would go on to set several F1 benchmarks for the illustrious Italian marque.
Other lap records are still standing at some tracks, a testament to just how ahead of its time the F2004 was.