F1's Most Successful Power Unit Manufacturers: The Top 10
Mercedes has matched Ferrari's record for the most wins by an engine manufacturer, with both teams boasting 251 victories in F1 history. From the legendary Cosworth DFV to the innovative Renault turbo, explore the top engine suppliers that have powered the sport's greatest moments.
After Mercedes achieved a milestone victory with Kimi Antonelli at the Madring, it's worth examining the engine manufacturers who've dominated Formula 1. These powerhouses have been the silent partners in the sport's history, propelling drivers to glory from the very first race in 1950.
=1. Ferrari – 251 wins Ferrari, the quintessential icon of F1, has been a constant presence since the inaugural season. With legendary drivers like Ascari, Lauda, and Schumacher, Ferrari engines have seen the top step of the podium 251 times. Charles Leclerc's win at the 2026 British Grand Prix marked their 250th triumph, with the extra win attributed to Sebastian Vettel’s 2008 victory with Toro Rosso.
=1. Mercedes – 251 wins Mercedes, after a brief foray in the mid-50s, returned as an engine supplier in the 90s. Their modern era success is largely thanks to partnerships with teams like McLaren and, more recently, their own team. Key contributors include Mika Hakkinen, Jenson Button, and Lewis Hamilton, who alone claimed 85 victories for Mercedes.
3. Ford Cosworth – 176 wins The Cosworth DFV engine was the gold standard from the late 60s to the early 80s, powering teams like Lotus and Brabham to victory. Despite a declining presence in the turbo era, it remained competitive through partnerships with teams like Benetton and McLaren.
4. Renault – 169 wins Renault was the first to fully embrace turbocharging, and after some early struggles, they found success with drivers like Alain Prost. Their engines powered numerous victories through collaborations with Williams, Benetton, and Red Bull, with Esteban Ocon delivering their final win in 2021.
5. Honda – 89 wins Honda's on-again, off-again relationship with F1 saw them achieve success in multiple eras, from Richie Ginter's 1965 win to their fruitful collaboration with Red Bull and Max Verstappen in the 2020s.
6. Coventry Climax – 40 wins Though not a household name today, Coventry Climax engines were a force in the late 50s and 60s, helping drivers like Jack Brabham and Jim Clark to championship glory.
7. Honda RBPT – 38 wins Following Honda's official exit, Red Bull Powertrains took over their engine program, continuing the success with Max Verstappen leading the charge.
8. TAG Porsche – 25 wins This engine, used by McLaren in the mid-80s, was instrumental in securing titles for Niki Lauda and Alain Prost, before the team switched to Honda.
9. BMW – 20 wins BMW's foray into F1 included a successful partnership with Williams in the early 2000s and a brief ownership of Sauber, with Robert Kubica securing their last win in 2008.
10. BRM – 18 wins BRM, a British marque, saw some success in the 60s, notably with Graham Hill's championship-winning season in 1962. However, they struggled to maintain competitiveness and exited F1 in the late 70s.
These manufacturers have not only powered cars but have driven the evolution of the sport, leaving a legacy of innovation and competition.