Daimler Benz AG

Based in: Stuttgart Founded: 1926 (active 1954-1955) Principal: Walter Kostelezky

Mercedes, initially founded in 1901, was one of the great racing car constructors of the early part of the century, their 1930s cars dominating many Grand Prix.

After a low key entry post- war, the three- pointed star reappeared on the grid in its startling stromlinienwagen (streamlined) form. A combination of a revolutionary design, Alfred Neubauer's team management and the talents of the current world champion, meant Mercedes started where they left off.

With nothing further to prove and the Le Mans disaster very much in the public eye, the team made a tearful exit at the end of 1955. Mercedes returned to sports car racing with Peter Sauber and featured in the engine development on Sauber's Formula 1 debut before switching to McLaren in 1995.

Cars