Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
Autosport Plus

When TAG engines ruled Formula 1

Red Bull's badging deal means there's a 'TAG' engine on the Formula 1 grid again. Three decades ago, that name was dominating with McLaren and Porsche. GARY WATKINS relives how that era began

HOW IT BEGAN

McLaren might have won the British Grand Prix with its carbon-chassis MP4/1 in 1981, but it knew the writing was on the wall for for the ageing Cosworth DFV in the face of the mounting turbocharged challenge.

John Barnard had no option to start the search for a turbo engine, but he didn't like what he found.

Previous article Button answers the F1 paddock's questions
Next article Better starts the priority for Mercedes F1 team, Hamilton says

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe