Despite the arrival of new sponsor Benetton, just starting its foray into Formula 1 in the early '80s and destined to become a major player in years to come, Ken Tyrrell’s team continued using the old Tyrrell 011. This car had a flat bottom and no longer used side skirts, in line with the technical regulations for the 1983 season. After being used for two previous seasons, technical director Maurice Philippe and designer Brian Lisles made extensive changes to the 011, significantly altering its aesthetics with side pods literally halved in size compared to earlier versions.
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| TYRRELL 012, Michele Alboreto Brands Hatch, European GP 1983 |
With the removal of the venturi-shaped floor (resembling an inverted wing), shorter side pods became more effective, especially with radiator weight shifted to the rear to improve traction and weight balance. However, the technical layout remained unchanged: same suspension, same aluminum monocoque chassis, and the classic Ford-Cosworth engine paired with a Hewland gearbox. The wheelbase of the 1983-spec 011 was 2692 mm, while weight dropped to 545 kg. True to its long-standing philosophy, Tyrrell fielded young, emerging drivers. Italian Michele Alboreto was confirmed, and he was joined by American rookie Danny Sullivan.
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| TYRRELL 011 '83, Michele Alboreto Detroit, USA East GP 1983 |
The 011 '83 was used for the first ten races of the season, surprisingly winning the Detroit Grand Prix with Alboreto, a victory that would turn out to be the historic British team’s last in Formula 1. Starting from the next race, a new car, the Tyrrell 012, was introduced (only for Alboreto). It was a simple evolution of the 011 but featured an entirely new chassis incorporating carbon fiber inserts, making it lighter and stiffer than its aluminum predecessor. The 012 also used the short-stroke version of the Ford-Cosworth V8, previously supplied to Lotus, which had since switched to Renault turbo engines. The compact size of the updated DFV's components allowed Tyrrell’s designers to craft a sleek, arrow-shaped car with very short, V-shaped side pods.
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| TYRRELL 011 '83, Danny Sullivan Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1983 |
The nose was also redesigned to be slimmer and less bulky than the 011. Its light weight and agility made the new Ockham-based car particularly well-suited to street circuits. Thanks to Benetton’s support, Philippe was able to steadily develop the car, which achieved decent performance. The Benetton Tyrrell Team ended the season seventh in the Constructors' Championship (third among normally aspirated cars) with 12 points.
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| TYRRELL 012, Michele Alboreto Österreichring, Austrian GP 1983 |
A very unique version of the 012 was tested by Alboreto during free practice at the Austrian Grand Prix, featuring a triangular rear wing nicknamed the "boomerang." Though innovative for the time, the design was soon abandoned, but it would make a comeback in the 2000s.
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