Description
The Ferrari F1-90, also known as the Ferrari 641, was introduced for the 1990 Formula One season and is remembered as one of the most competitive cars Ferrari produced during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was an evolution of the Ferrari 640 from 1989, designed by John Barnard and further developed by Steve Nichols, and it carried forward the revolutionary semi-automatic paddle-shift gearbox that Ferrari had pioneered the year before. The F1-90 built on that innovation with improved reliability and refined aerodynamics, making it a true championship contender.
At its heart, the F1-90 was powered by Ferrari’s Tipo 036 3.5-liter V12 engine, producing around 680 horsepower at 13,000 rpm. The engine was smooth, powerful, and delivered an unforgettable high-pitched note that distinguished Ferrari from the V10s and V8s of its rivals. Though heavier and thirstier than some competing engines, it provided excellent power on fast circuits, particularly when combined with Ferrari’s strong aerodynamics and effective use of Bridgestone tires.
The chassis was a carbon fiber composite monocoque, slim and rigid, with double-wishbone suspension at both ends and pushrod-operated dampers. Aerodynamically, the F1-90 was a major step forward over the 640. Its bodywork was more refined, with sculpted sidepods, a narrower rear end, and improved airflow management, making it one of the most elegant cars on the 1990 grid. The semi-automatic gearbox, now much more reliable than in 1989, allowed for quicker shifts without lifting off the throttle, giving Ferrari drivers a small but tangible advantage.
In competition, the F1-90 proved to be McLaren’s fiercest rival. Alain Prost, who joined Ferrari from McLaren, immediately became a championship contender. He won five Grands Prix during the season, including Brazil, Mexico, France, Britain, and Spain, while teammate Nigel Mansell added another victory in Portugal. The car was particularly effective on fast, sweeping circuits where its V12 power could be fully exploited. Prost fought Ayrton Senna’s McLaren-Honda all season, and the championship was ultimately decided at Suzuka, where the infamous collision between Senna and Prost handed the title to Senna. Ferrari finished second in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, its closest challenge to McLaren in the turbo-to-early-atmo era.
The Ferrari F1-90 is often remembered as one of the finest Ferraris never to win a championship. Its combination of a glorious V12 engine, cutting-edge gearbox technology, and refined aerodynamics made it one of the standout cars of its generation. Though denied titles by McLaren’s consistency and Senna’s brilliance, it restored Ferrari’s reputation as a true front-runner.
Today, the Ferrari F1-90 holds an iconic place in Formula One history. It symbolizes the peak of Ferrari’s V12 era, blending technical innovation with competitive performance, and remains one of the most admired Grand Prix cars for both its beauty and its role in one of the sport’s most dramatic seasons.