During my time in Formula 1, I had plenty of involvement with Ford – featuring both the good and the bad times for the company.

The Ford Cosworth DFV engine was the reason I first had the opportunity to get involved with F1. Bernie Ecclestone, then the owner of the Brabham team, told me he would give me a job if I could lift the then-common DFV into the back of a Transit van.

It weighed around 135kg, but he didn’t have to ask me twice. In late 1972, together with Brabham chief mechanic Bob Dance, who I enjoyed working with immensely, we started to build the first artic F1 transport. Its first race was the Spanish Grand Prix at Montjuich Park in Barcelona in 1973, which was also my first time in F1.

gary anderson: the good, bad and ugly of ford in f1

The DFV was a customer engine. You could simply buy it from them and have it rebuilt directly by Cosworth. But it was also the beginning for quite a few engine builders. The John Judds, Brian Harts, Nicholson McLaren engines, Geoff Richardson to name but a few, wouldn’t have been around if it wasn’t for the Cosworth DFV.

Cosworth didn’t try to hide its product, it was proud of it and parts were available to all. You paid your money and you got a product you could go racing with.

I remember at an F1 race, which I’m pretty sure was at Brands Hatch, there was a Japanese team called Maki. It was a small organisation, but in those days so were most teams. When we were heading home, we saw the light still on in the back of its truck so went to have a look. They were there with their Cosworth engine stripped replacing the big end shells. Those were the days.

It was a plug-and-play situation, much like Hewland were with gearbox supply. The Cosworth produced good power and was affordable. You could have a small team and focus on the chassis and simply get your engine and transmission from those two suppliers and go racing. If you were really stuck, you could borrow bits and pieces from your competition. When Frank Williams was getting started, he would often borrow engines from Brabham.

The engine was also the inspiration for many other manufacturers to start building their own creation. In addition to the companies mentioned above, Ilmor, Mugen and even Honda would all benefit from buying and stripping a DFV to help them to enter the F1 engine manufacturing business.

Keith Duckworth and Mike Costin were the architects behind the engine and together with Colin Chapman of Lotus fame surprised the motor racing world with a small, efficient, available competitive package that to this day is still the blueprint for engines that power thousands of racing cars worldwide, many of them still DFVs.

gary anderson: the good, bad and ugly of ford in f1

As the years went by and the management and ownership changed, so did Cosworth. It was more commercially driven and with that it actually became more difficult to get your hands on one of its engines.

The DFV and its derivatives won 155 races in F1 from 1967-1983 and I was fortunate to be involved with a few of those wins. The engine was the available entry ticket for many privateer teams that went on to great successes over the years, and plenty that didn’t.

FORD DFV F1 DRIVERS’ TITLES

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

FORD DFV CONSTRUCTORS’ TITLES

1968 Lotus 1969 Matra 1970 Lotus 1971 Tyrrell 1972 Lotus 1973 Lotus 1974 McLaren 1978 Lotus 1980 Williams
1981 Williams

When Jordan was first set up in 1990, it was thanks to a chance meeting in a pub in Silverstone that we ended up getting the Ford Cosworth HB engine. It was one of those derivatives that I mentioned.

Andrew Green, now technical honcho at Aston Martin F1, and myself went into the pub one day on the way back from a meeting with a supplier. It was quite busy and there was a guy sitting a table on his own. We asked if we could sit down and we introduced ourselves to him and vice versa.

By chance he was the commercial director for Cosworth, Bernard Ferguson. He asked us what engine we were intending to use in our new venture and I said it was being drawn around a Judd. He gave me his business card and said to get Eddie Jordan to call him. Eddie did, and the rest is history.

gary anderson: the good, bad and ugly of ford in f1

If you look at the engine cover of the Jordan 191 there are two small bulges that the top of the engine fuel rails needed for clearance, simply because that area was taller because of the fuel injector position on the Cosworth than the Judd.

It was a fabulous little engine and contributed greatly to our success during 1991. We finished fifth in the constructors’ championship in our first year, which was way above our or anybody else’s expectations. If you just look at what happened to Jordan in 1992 with Yamaha engines, you can easily see what impact an engine can have on a team’s success – of lack thereof.

Jordan’s move to Yamaha for 1992 was not much fun. Yes, we had some gearbox problems of our own to contend with, but whereas with the Cosworth HB you had decent power, good fuel consumption, minimal heat rejection and good reliability, for 1992 it was like the lights had just gone out. None of that existed and on top of that the Yamaha was more than 20kg heavier. Even I couldn’t have lifted it into a Transit van!

Both Benetton and Jordan used the Ford HB engine in ’91 but Benetton being the works team was always at least one step ahead of us on performance. However, on the odd occasion we were able to give them a hard time. As I always say it is great to get one over the big boys and at that time with John Barnard as Benetton’s technical director they were classed as one of F1’s big boys.

At one point in the season just before the Montreal race where we scored our first points we were actually offered the same engine spec as Benetton but it fell through when the Benetton management pulled rank and they very quickly put us in our place as a customer team.

In my last year of direct involvement on the design side of F1 in 2003 with Jordan, one of these distant derivatives of the DFV – the Ford Cosworth RS1 – powered Jordan to its last win in the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix.

That was also the last win for Ford itself in F1. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, with many regulation changes making today’s F1 a very different beast.

In reality the Ford Cosworth RS1 was very different from the original DFV but as I often say you shouldn’t try to redesign the wheel – it works fairly well as it is.

I’m sure that many of the people involved in the design updates since these glory days of the Cosworth DFV would openly admit that the DFV was the inspiration and even all these years later the engines were still from the same family that Keith Duckworth and Mike Costin created all those years ago.

When I moved to Stewart Grand Prix for 1999, I was once again reunited with the Cosworth engine group who were really great people to work with. Ford had got a lot more involved with Cosworth by that time, having bought it in 1998, and it was also involved in Stewart – buying the team in the middle of the year to turn it into Jaguar for 2000 – so it wasn’t simply a customer relationship. We had to justify our existence to the board at Ford on numerous occasions during the year.

gary anderson: the good, bad and ugly of ford in f1

The engine was light, small and powerful, if a little fuel thirsty. Initially, it was also a bit fragile and as the season went on it lost that edge in weight and power by making it more reliable. Our biggest problem was we couldn’t say anything about it as Cosworth was Ford’s pride and joy, so it made things very difficult.

In reality, it was me being a bit hot-headed and confronting this situation that cost me my job with Jaguar in 2000. Owner Ford, or at least the top brass who were involved with the running of the team, didn’t like anyone who stood their ground. Unfortunately, I was one of those people.

I think the years after my departure showed that Ford didn’t really have a handle on what it took to make a competitive F1 team. To confirm that the success of Red Bull after its takeover of Jaguar shows that with the right management, commitment and investment for the future success is possible. It’s never easy but when a large conglomerate like Ford gets involved, it simply slows everything down.

Ford should now be a very different company from the Jaguar days and Red Bull Powertrains won’t be overpowered by its involvement. I’m pretty sure it will be a simple naming and sponsorship partnership in the way it works in reality, despite the promises of technical collaboration, but you never know what the future brings.

With Mercedes, Renault through Alpine, Ferrari, Honda and now Audi and Cadillac all either involved or potentially coming aboard and rumours about Porsche, F1 seems to be the place to once again get involved if you are a car manufacturer.

Now we just have to wait on BMW, Toyota and other ex-F1 manufacturers to follow suit. Long gone are the days of the need of something like the Life W12 to simply supply engines to the back of the grid.

Keyword: Gary Anderson: The good, bad and ugly of Ford in F1

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Here's How The Ford Ranger Raptor's Fox Shocks Make It A Great Off-Roader

There are multiple drive modes, and each one tweaks the dampers for different purpose.

View more: Here's How The Ford Ranger Raptor's Fox Shocks Make It A Great Off-Roader

Crawford moves to DAMS, Hadjar and Marti join Campos

Isack Hadjar (FRA) Red Bull Junior Driver. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 17, Japanese Grand Prix, Thursday 21st September 2023. Suzuka, Japan. Jak Crawford will move to DAMS for the 2024 Formula 2 season while Red Bull juniors Isack Hadjar and Pepe Marti will compete for Campos. Crawford finished ...

View more: Crawford moves to DAMS, Hadjar and Marti join Campos

Ford Robbed Us Of The Old Four-Door Ranger Because It Wanted To Sell Explorers

Photo: Ford By definition, a big truck like a Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado struggles to be small. Even in its smallest, most trucky configuration — a two-door single cab — a full-size truck is relatively large and comes with a sizable bed for hauling cargo. But a small ...

View more: Ford Robbed Us Of The Old Four-Door Ranger Because It Wanted To Sell Explorers

Ford loses nearly 400 participants from its EV dealer program

After asking its dealers to join it “on an epic journey of sustainable expansion,” Ford revealed over two-thirds of its dealers joined almost a year ago. However, close to 400 dealers have dropped out of the program since then. Ford asked its dealership network to become a part of ...

View more: Ford loses nearly 400 participants from its EV dealer program

Planned Three-Year Cruise Canceled At The Last Minute Because The Company Couldn't Afford To Buy A Ship

Image: GreenOak (Shutterstock) A cruise that was set to sail around the world for three years has been abruptly canceled at the last minute. The reason? The company behind the cruise couldn’t afford to buy a ship in time, as CNN reports. Life at Sea Cruises, a division of ...

View more: Planned Three-Year Cruise Canceled At The Last Minute Because The Company Couldn't Afford To Buy A Ship

Volkswagen Is Developing Affordable EVs, But Only For China

24 May 2023, Saxony, Zwickau: A model of the new-generation ID.3 is assembled at Volkswagen’s plant in Zwickau. Following the start of production in 2019, the vehicle has now received a facelift as part of the model mint. Image: Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance (Getty Images) After Chinese automaker BYD dethroned ...

View more: Volkswagen Is Developing Affordable EVs, But Only For China

This 2024 Ford Mustang GT Only Survived 16 Miles Before Being Crashed

There's heavy damage on the rear of the car, but the 5.0-liter V8 is listed as still running.

View more: This 2024 Ford Mustang GT Only Survived 16 Miles Before Being Crashed

Let This Lancia Stratos Replica Be Your Affordable Key To Rally Greatness

This auction is a realistic way to have a street-legal rally icon parked in your driveway.

View more: Let This Lancia Stratos Replica Be Your Affordable Key To Rally Greatness

At $27,500, Is This 2008 Ford F450 Super Duty A Super Big Deal?

Can you tow with a Ford Everest Wildtrak?

1962 Ford Falcon | Old Car

Ford patents inflatable bumpers for its large SUVs & pickups

Ford Figo: Weird noise when the ignition is on worries me

Ford Taurus, Dodge Caravan Live Again In 1995 Detroit Auto Show Retro Video

Next-gen Ford Mustang – The competitors at R1.5 million

At $9,000, Would This 1976 Ford Granada Ghia Put You Back In Black?

2.0L Bi-Turbo or 3.0L V6 – The most popular engine for the Ford Ranger Wildtrak in South Africa

Ford Mustang GT3 Looks Fast, Sounds Like Thunder In Track Test Video

Road-Trip Review: 2023 Ford Everest 3.0 V6 4WD Platinum

Here’s How An Affordable Chinese-Made EV Holds Up After 100,000 Miles

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel