FERRARI 312T

   In the early 1970s, British teams began introducing a new type of Formula 1 chassis, using molded aluminum shells joined together to form the monocoque. This design was very different from the traditional steel tube frames covered with aluminum panels, which were still used by Scuderia Ferrari.

FERRARI 312T, Niki Lauda
Nürburgring, German GP 1975

   As a result, in 1973, Ferrari's lead designer, Mauro Forghieri, was removed from his position and replaced by a team of engineers led by Sandro Colombo. This new team decided to have the future Ferrari chassis built in England by British specialists. However, the total failure of the Ferrari 312 B3, which emerged from this initiative, led to Forghieri’s reinstatement. Though he had not been involved in the design of the car, he retained the "British" chassis but completely redesigned the rest of the vehicle, laying the foundation for the highly successful 312T series, which would bring great success to Ferrari in the following years.

FERRARI 312T, Niki Lauda
Montecarlo, Monaco GP 1975

   The return of Swiss driver Clay Regazzoni to the team, who requested young Austrian Niki Lauda as his teammate, having already worked with him at BRM and recognizing his exceptional development skills, proved to be a turning point for Ferrari. Lauda became an invaluable asset to Forghieri in developing the Ferrari 312T. In addition to bringing back the tubular frame covered with aluminum panels, the new car featured highly innovative elements, including a transverse gearbox (hence the "T" in the name). This design allowed for better weight distribution, improving the car’s balance. The sidepods were also a key innovation: they were low and wide, housing both the radiators and fuel tanks, which helped lower the car’s center of gravity and improve handling.

FERRARI 312T, Niki Lauda
Zeltweg, Austrian GP 1975

   A crucial component of the project was the Ferrari Tipo 15 engine, a 180° V12 also known as a flat-12 or "Boxer" engine. This configuration resulted in a particularly flat engine, significantly lowering the car’s center of gravity while providing high torque at low revs and an excellent power output of around 490 hp, typical of Ferrari’s 12-cylinder engines.

FERRARI 312T, Clay Regazzoni
Interlagos, Brazilian GP 1976

   After racing the first two rounds of the 1975 season with the previous 312 B3-74, Regazzoni and Lauda debuted the new 312T in the third race. The car proved dominant, securing six victories, one second place, and four third places. Lauda won the Drivers' Championship, and Ferrari reclaimed the Constructors' title. The same car was used for the first three races of the 1976 season, achieving three victories and a second place, making it one of the most successful Ferrari F1 cars, with nine wins in 15 Grands Prix.