How Benetton Cheated in the 1994 F1 Season | Driver61 Podcast #20

This is a Clip from The Scott Mansell Podcast, where Scott from Driver61 talks to incredible people from Formula 1, Motorsport, Engineering and Business.
👏 Thanks to Willem Toet for joining us on this one! - Follow him on LinkedIn / willemtoet1
This is the story of one of F1’s biggest cheating allegations, and I spoke with someone at the team to find out what actually happened.
After Ayrton Senna was hit by Mika Hakkinen at the start of the 1994 Pacific Grand Prix, he ended up in the gravel, with a broken front wheel and out of the race.
Senna then watched the rest of the race from the side of the circuit, but as he was watching, he noticed something very unusual about two of the cars.
The Benettons, then driven by Michael Schumacher and Jos Verstappen, were making an unusual sound.
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#Formula1 #Benetton #Schumacher

[@Trevisio]

Senna died trying to keep pace with this system, just using his right foot.

[@jeremyswanzy851]

Senna went to Williams for all the driver’s aids that would end up being banned that season. The main problem with the Williams FW16 at the start of the season was that it was built around having all those aids. With qualifying fuel loads, Senna was able to take Pole with it; however, under race load, the car was a nightmare for Senna to control, as the increased weight thru the vehicle out of whack. However, Senna did not die because he was trying to keep pace with the Benetton B194. The problem for Senna unfortunately came down to a rushed steering column modification at Senna’s request. What must be understood is that Senna’s car was designed around Alain Prost. Alain was 5’ 5” and Senna was 5’ 9”. His hands were getting thrashed trying to steer the car, and by Imola, he had enough. Rather than waiting to have the change made after the race, so it could be properly tested, he wanted it for the race. Not to place blame on anyone, but strictly the fact that Senna was adamant that the change be made and due to no time to quality control the change, it led to the steering column failure due to the forces the FW16 was unable to deal with properly now that it was missing all the driver’s aids coupled with Senna’s driving style.

[@johnny_gtr]

What a wonderful, engaging, eloquent guy. Absolutely loved this. Real engineer.

[@HAWGGY85]

Thanks for the video! It was a major talking point back in 1994, finally we have an understanding (sort of :) ) on how this system worked.

[@Oblio1942]

great interview, loved the insigt here

[@seniorelzappo9919]

I love listening to engineers .. great interview done well .

[@ButeSound]

"I knew all the code..." 'Sometime Later' So the launch control code.. " 'dunno about **that** code.. ' "

[@motow3031]

Now will it work on my MX5

[@BobbyGeneric145]

Great vid of Wilem lecturing in a college to be had on youtube.

[@SpeedBrazilOficial]

AMAZING GUYS ❤😊

[@ZsebtelepHUN]

Does no one know about this channel? Where are ya people...?

[@humbertomendes1245]

Vera good!!!!