Tyrrell P34

About

The Tyrrell P34 is a notable Formula 1 car, famous for its innovative six-wheel design. Introduced in 1976, it was the brainchild of Derek Gardner, Tyrrell's chief designer. The car featured four smaller 10-inch wheels at the front, which aimed to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve grip by keeping the front wheels out of the wind. This design exploited a loophole in F1 regulations, allowing for a unique approach to handling and speed. The P34 achieved significant success, including a 1-2 finish at the 1976 Swedish Grand Prix with Jody Scheckter and Patrick Depailler. However, the car faced challenges, particularly with tire stress due to the lack of suitable radial-ply tires. Despite its initial promise, the P34 was eventually phased out after the 1977 season. Its legacy remains as a testament to innovative design in F1, though the six-wheel concept was ultimately banned for safety and practicality reasons[1][2][3].