1980 Alfa Romeo F1

Few eras in Formula One were as innovative and exciting as the early 1980s, and this Alfa Romeo 179 perfectly reflects that spirit. Built for the 1980 season, it was designed to exploit the latest advances in ground-effect aerodynamics while retaining Alfa Romeo’s renowned 3.0-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. Producing approximately 525 hp, the 179 delivered not only competitive performance but also an unforgettable soundtrack that became synonymous with Formula One’s golden age.

The 179 entered the 1980 Formula One season driven by Bruno Giacomelli and was widely regarded as one of the cars to beat. However, mid-season regulation changes limited its potential, preventing it from delivering the results many expected. Its finest achievement came at the beginning of the 1980 season at the Argentinian Grand Prix, where Bruno Giacomelli secured a fifth-place finish. In the final races of the same season, the car was driven by Vittorio Brambilla at the Italian and Dutch Grands Prix, while Andrea De Cesaris took over for the Canadian and United States East Grands Prix. In 1981 the car entered the GP season serving as a T-Car.