Privateer (motorsport)
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In motorsport, a privateer is usually an entrant into a racing event that is not directly supported by an automobile or motorcycle manufacturer. Privateers teams are often found competing in rally, circuit racing and motorcycle racing events and often include competitors who build and maintain their own vehicles and motorcycles. In previous Formula One seasons, privately owned teams would race using the chassis of another team or constructor in preference to building their own car; the Concorde Agreement now prohibits this practice. Increasingly, the term is being used in a Formula One context to refer to teams, such as Williams, that are not at least part-owned by large corporations. Many privateer entrants compete for the enjoyment of the sport, and are not paid to be racing drivers.
Privateers in Formula One
[edit]From the inaugural 1950 season until 1981, several privateer teams entered chassis at Formula One Grands Prix. Some of them—such as Tyrrell and Williams—later began to build their own chassis and thus became constructors, as well as works teams. At the 1981 Spanish Grand Prix, Equipe Banco Occidental became the last privateer team to enter Formula One, using a Williams chassis.[1] Privateer entries have been prohibited in Formula One since 1981 under the first Concorde Agreement.
Privateer wins at Formula One Grands Prix
[edit]As of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there have been 20 victories by three privateer teams at Formula One Grands Prix: ten by Matra International/Tyrrell Racing, nine by Rob Walker Racing Team and one by FISA. The first win was achieved by Walker at the 1958 Argentine Grand Prix, and the last win was achieved by Tyrrell at the 1970 Spanish Grand Prix.
Key: (Bold) Driver won the World Drivers' Championship; (Italics) Constructor won the World Constructors' Championship
Formula One World Championships by privateer teams
[edit]Across 32 seasons, only one privateer team contributed to a Formula One World Championship: Matra International in 1969. The team—later known as Tyrrell Racing Organisation—helped constructor Matra win the World Constructors' Championship with the MS80, and driver Jackie Stewart win his maiden World Drivers' Championship.
See also
[edit]References
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