Why is Lamborghini not in Formula 1?!
While Lamborghini has created some of the world’s most influential cars, the Italian automaker hasn’t dominated F1. Netflix’s Drive to Survive has brought even more new viewers to the sport, but some car enthusiasts have noticed Lamborghini’s absence from the grid.
Despite not competing in 2021 or 2022, the Italian carmaker has experience in the sport. Lamborghini raced a car called the Lambo 291 in the 1990s, says F1 Technical. Despite having a powerful V12 under the hood, its short career didn’t go as planned.
Lamborghini doesn’t have an official Formula 1 team. The Italian carmaker did enter the sport back in the early 1990s, though. This was when the carmaker asked engineers Mauro Forghieri and Mario Tolentino to design a new car based on the L3512 naturally-aspirated V12 from the carmaker. Lambo 291 got a carbon-fiber chassis, just like all F1 cars back then. The car weighed around 1124 pounds. Power from the V12 went to the rear wheels only through a six-speed manual.
Interestingly, Lamborghini’s didn’t want its name on it on the team as the automaker didn’t want to hurt its brand image, in case it failed. That’s why the team is called Modena. Still, Lamborghini chose to call its car Lambo 291.
The Lamborghini F1 car wasn’t a huge success despite high hopes. The Lambo 291 only competed during the 1991 Formula 1 season. It had its first test in the pre-qualifying sessions. The car had to do well in these sessions to even qualify for one of the 16 races that year.
Sadly, only six times did the car race. On its best day, the Lambo 291 finished seventh at the U.S. Grand Prix. Even though Lamborghini had one decent finish at the start of the season, Lamborghini didn’t want to invest in a failing team. Modena never returned to Formula 1 despite high hopes in 1992.
Lamborghini returning to Formula One is unlikely at best. It costs $200 million to just get in. The sum is split equally amongst the current teams. You’d also have to budget for building a brand new car and powertrain from scratch. Lamborghini doesn’t have a racing history like Ferrari, so it would be too expensive.
Also, Lamborghini’s Urus SUV is smashing sales records, so why mess with success? If anything, since Lamborghini is owned by the Volkswagen group, there’s a better chance that Porsche or Audi gets involved in Formula 1.
You can read more on this topic with the following articles…
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Доменикали: Формула 1 – не для Lamborghini
Стефано Доменикали оставил пост руководителя команды Ferrari в апреле 2014-го, но уже осенью того же года начал работать в компании Audi, а с марта 2016-го возглавил Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., ещё одно подразделение концерна Volkswagen Group.
Lamborghini – известный итальянский производитель роскошных спорткаров, но в конце 80-х – начале 90-х компания также поставляла двигатели командам Формулы 1, впрочем, без особого успеха.
Но после того, как её исполнительным директором стал Доменикали, начались разговоры о том, что в будущем можно ждать возвращения Lamborghini в Формулу 1. Однако в нынешних условиях это нереально, – считает итальянский менеджер.
«Конечно, в душе я остаюсь гонщиком, а Формула 1 – лучшая рекламная площадка, однако у Lamborghini другие приоритеты, – заявил Доменикали. – Ferrari рождалась на гоночных трассах, Lamborghini – нет. А инвестиции, необходимые для того, чтобы просто участвовать в чемпионате мира, не претендуя на победы, слишком высоки.
До тех пор, пока в Формуле 1 будет существовать деление на два класса, это не для нас. С нами спорят, доказывают, что это было бы интересно, но пока у меня нет аргументов, которые я мог бы предложить нашим акционерам.
Если бы решение зависело от меня, я уже завтра привёл бы Lamborghini в Формулу 1, но в реальности всё происходит иначе. Кроме того, я несу ответственность за людей, которыми руковожу.
Впрочем, разумеется, Ф1 могла бы стать прекрасной платформой для всей Volkswagen Group, при этом ценность самой Формулы 1 тоже бы выросла. Но для этого должен настать подходящий момент, а также необходимо создать правильные технические и финансовые условия.
В настоящий момент Lamborghini успешно выступает в серии GT3, а наш чемпионат Super Trofeo – лучший среди моноклассов. Мы хотим стабилизировать нашу спортивную программу, а инвестиции в другие серии не входят в число наших приоритетов».
Судя по тому, как развиваются события вокруг нового технического регламента Формулы 1, который должен вступить в силу в 2021 году, ни одно из подразделений Volkswagen Group в ближайшей перспективе не планирует участвовать в чемпионате мира. Похоже, от этого окончательно отказались и в Porsche.
Стало известно, почему Lamborghini не стремится в «Формулу»
0 17 Августа 2016
- Стало известно, почему Lamborghini не стремится в «Формулу»
Компания Lamborghini обзавелась новым генеральным директором, бывшим главой команды F1 Ferrari, но это совершенно не означает, что она собирается принимать участие в Формуле 1. Информация получена со слов самого Стефано Доменикали, как сообщает AutoWeek. 
51-летний итальянец начал работать в Ferrari прямо из колледжа в 1991 году, управляя Муджелло, прежде чем подняться вверх в ряды Скудерии — пока он не был заменен в 2014 году. Он был принят на работу Audi лишь несколько месяцев спустя, и, по слухам, работает над запуском программы F1 компании. Но скандал, касающийся выброса дизельного топлива всколыхнул все планы Volkswagen Group. В конечном счете он был поставлен в качестве исполнительного директора Lamborghini, с предшественником Стефаном Винкельманом. Основная его функция – руководство отделом производства Audi Quattro GmbH.
Его прибытие в Сант’Агата, однако не означает, что в скором времени мы увидим Lamborghini в «Формула-1». Компания только поставляла двигатели с 1989 по 1993 год (в то время, когда была в собственности Chrysler), для таких команд как Lotus, Ligier и Minardi, достигая финиша одновременно с командой Larrousse на шасси Lola в 1990 году на Japanese Grand Prix. 
Основатель компании Ферруччо Ламборджини лихо избегал гонок, что резко контрастирует с его соперниками в Маранелло. На сегодняшний день компания делает GT3 гонки и имеет программу развития. «Вы не можете думать о таком бренде как Lamborghini без автоспорта», — сказал Доменикали. «Но, что касается F1, я должен сказать, что это не является приоритетом, потому что у нас есть другие приоритеты выше этого». 
Автопроизводитель Bolognese находится в процессе привидения конечной концепции кроссовера Urus для производства, и значительно расширяет свои производственные мощности, чтобы подготовиться к запуску. Все это время, компания продолжает запускать новые версии Huracan и Aventador, а также ограниченным количеством суперкары для VIP клиентов. 
Подписывайтесь на наши ленты в таких социальных сетях как, Facebook, Вконтакте, Instagram, Pinterest, Yandex Zen, Twitter и Telegram: все самые интересные автомобильные события собранные в одном месте.
Is Lamborghini In Formula 1?
Lamborghini is a powerhouse with a sleek, luxurious design, enough to make any head turn! Despite these qualities, Lamborghini chooses not to participate in Formula One – what’s up with that? I and many other fans who admire the brand would like nothing more than to see them compete. So, is Lamborghini in Formula One?
Lamborghini is not a part of the Formula One scene. They started as F1 engine suppliers in 1989 and participated in 1991. Their increasing financial difficulties left them no choice but to withdraw before the 1992 season. Owned by the Volkswagen Group, they have no plans to participate in Formula One.
Although Lamborghini once tried their hand at Formula One, they since withdrew but recently delved back into racing events through The Lamborghini Super Trofeo. The VW Group that owns Lamborghini is interested in getting into F1, so there may yet be hope – let’s explore these facts further!
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How Involved Is Lamborghini In Formula 1?
Lamborghini formed a Formula One-specific subsidiary, Lamborghini Engineering, in 1988 to handle their developing Formula One program, and they entered the championship as an engine supplier in 1989.
Lamborghini Engineering assigned Mauro Forghieri to develop and build a Formula One car with the help of Mario Tolentino. Eventually, the company’s first effort at designing and producing a Formula One vehicle would come in 1991. They opted for Mauro Baldi because he was a former Alfa Romeo and Spirit driver.
They had a rolling chassis ready for testing by the summer of 1990 but were shocked to find Gonzalez Luna had vanished along with all of his money. As a result, the team experienced immense financial strains, but Lamborghini was adamant about continuing the project because they already had the engines and now had a Formula One vehicle.
How Did Lamborghini Survive Their Financial Difficulties?
To keep the team afloat, the Italian company poured money into it. They moved it to Modena, Italy, resulting in a name change to reflect its new location. Afterward, they joined the 1991 Formula One season with Italian businessman and former Fila chief Carlo Patrucco as Team Principal.
They began the season as Modena Team SpA, but the name change caused confusion. The chassis, which bore the Lamborghini brand and was powered by a Lamborghini engine, was registered as “Modena” on the entry list. The car was named “Lambo 291”. The team’s drivers have been named Nicola Larini and Eric van de Poele.
Despite Lamborghini’s Efforts, More Trouble Loomed
Van de Poele finished 5th in the San Marino Grand Prix and was on route for two world championship points, but a fuel system malfunction forced him to a halt on the final lap, practically within sight of the flag, resulting in van de Poele coming in at 9th.
The team was in financial trouble by mid-season, having been unable to acquire any substantial sponsorship and Lamborghini refusing to give any extra funding. Modena Squad SpA was in debt towards the end of the season, leaving the team at a crossroads. They eventually folded before the 1992 season, unable to overcome its financial difficulties.
Does Lamborghini Have Plans To Return To Formula 1?
Lamborghini is part of the Volkswagen Group; thus, their chances of entering Formula One are minimal as long as VW is unwilling to invest in the sport. There is, nevertheless, still reason to be optimistic.
Porsche and Audi, both members of the Volkswagen Group, are actively participating in F1 negotiations for the new Formula One engine formula for 2026. Even if Lamborghini isn’t mentioned, there’s no harm in remaining positive and hopeful!
What Reasons Would Deter Lamborghini From Returning To F1?
The cost of entering Formula One is too expensive for new teams. To be competitive and have a chance of winning, new clubs might easily spend up to $200 million every year. Furthermore, since the engine change, current teams have gained so much more knowledge with turbo engines that it is challenging to enter Formula 1 and be competitive.
Consider Honda: they were a year late in joining the new era of F1, so they have been trying to catch up for the past few years.
Lamborghini’s strength and emphasis are also more geared toward GTs. With multiple Super Trofeo series worldwide, they have a sizable following, and the number of vehicles they destroy each year keeps them afloat. In addition, their GT3 program is notable.
Audi-owned VW also explains that the road has no bearing on F1. Audi has always involved themselves in racing that is important to their consumers, such as rallying and touring vehicles, which led to the development of Quattro, FSI, and TFSI engines for their road cars.
For this reason, in 1999, they decided against competing in Formula One. Instead, they chose to compete in the world’s biggest race – they went to the 24-Hour Le Mans. Since then, they have had immense success and are among the leading competitors.
Where Can You Find Lamborghini Racing Nowadays?
Lamborghini is pretty active in The Lamborghini Super Trofeo international motor racing series despite a short racing history. Lamborghini Squadra Corse organizes this one-make championship. Huracon Super Trofeo Evo model vehicles compete in three continental championships in Europe, Asia, and North America.
The three continental series all follow the same format: six 50-minute double races on the world’s most prominent circuits, culminating in a World Final that crowns the Lamborghini world champions.
Lamborghini Super Trofeo drivers race in identical Lamborghini Huracon Super Trofeo Evo vehicles, which replace the earlier Gallardo. Additionally, the drivers separate into four groups: Pro, Pro-Am, Am, and LB Cup.
Conclusion
Lamborghini participated in F1 between 1989 and 1992, first as an engine supplier and then as a participant. However, their most important financial supporter Gonzalez Luna disappeared with his money, which left them in hot water ever since. Without any significant winnings, they were forced to withdraw from Formula One before the start of season 2 in 1992.