What becomes of formula one cars after the season ends?

Question

Question says it all. I know for the most part a new car is built for each season, so what do the constructors do with the old cars?

Answer 1

Depends on the team. Many go into storage because the technology still needs to be protected from prying eyes. A good number end up in museums, both of the team's own and other museums. A few make it into private collections. Ferrari has a very unique program called Corse Clienti where for a large sum of money, you can buy an F1 car from Ferrari (at least 2 years old to protect technology) and they will maintain and operate it, as well as coordinate trackdays for you to drive your car at. Most of these occur at Fiorano and Mugello, Ferrari's two circuits, but I believe they have occured at other venues. Another Ferrari exclusive, as far as I know, is that they sell various parts, mostly engine, but a few body pieces, from their cars in the Ferrari store, worthwhile if you are looking to own a piece of a real F1 car.

Hope this gives you a good idea of the fate of F1 cars of past seasons.

Answer 2

Depending on the team the cars get stored for a couple of years till the technology is old enough and the cars can be sold. I believe Ferrari waits 3-5 years before there cars can be sold. I believe these cars can be had for a fraction of what it cost to develop them. I believe the F2001 or F2002 car sold for something like $1.5 million USD.

But during the off season the cars can be used for demonstration and publicity events.

Answer 3

George has the answer down pretty well, but to also add, for some teams where there 2008 cars might not be exactly ready, they will still use the old design until a 2008 model is ready to go, but you usually find that among the smaller teams.

Answer 4

I never knew Ferrari sold their old cars. I guess I better start saving...

Most teams do keep their cars. Some they keep whole and other they pull them apart. I remember someone (possibly Big Ron) describing them as "a very expensive paper weights".

Then again, Renault and Flavio like to give them away as congratulations and birthday pressie to Alonso.

Answer 5

The teams will either store them at their facilities or after a coupe of years turn them into show cars.

Also teams will eventually sell them. Ferrari sold some of their race cars a few months ago.

Answer 6

round 75 litres in line with one hundred kilometres travelled 3.a million US mpg - 3.8 uk mpg formula One engine is over 20% extra useful at turning gas into means than even the most low-priced small vehicle. *formula One hybrid racing coming in 2010?

Answer 7

Wait for technology to outdate the model then they sell it

Answer 8

They often end up in run what you brung racing:

http://www.euroboss.com/

Answer 9

they give them to spyker and toyota..