Starting with Number 6:
Number 6: 2004 Jordan and Smart (Mercedes)
Story: During the 2003 season, Jordan Grand Prix had a deal to use customer spec Ford V10s for 2003 and for 2004 after losing their works Honda deal for 2003. Despite wining the Brazilian Grand Prix with Ford. Jordan had a deal in place for 2004 with customer Mercedes engines, which would have been more powerful and much cheaper option. Beacuse, Mercedes was eager to advertise its new Smart brand and talks were on for a deal that would see Smart-branded engines powering Jordan F1 cars in 2004.
With the bessing of the Mercedes works team McLaren in place, the deal was set until Ford vito the deal, forcing the team to stick with its underpowered engines for 2004. Adding insult to injury, just a year later Ford pulled out of F1 at the end of 2004. Forcing the Jordan team to signed a deal with Toyota for 2005 at the end of the 2004 season.
Number 5: 1995 Minardi and Mugen-Honda
Story: During the end of the 1994 season, Minardi was on the verge of completing a deal to have Mugen-Honda engines for 1995. The M195 was desgined to fit Mugen-Honda engines until a last-minute decision from Mugen to supply Ligier instead, leaving Minardi without an engine deal for 1995. Thankfully, Minardi got a deal to use customer Ford V8 for 1995. Although, Minardi won the lawsuit, but damages were not awarded to the team. Out of court settlement between Ligier and Minardi, paid Minardi $1 million to compensate them for the loss of the Mugen-Honda engines for 1995.
Number 4: 2018 Sauber and Honda
Story: During the 2017 season, Sauber announced a deal with Honda to use their Power-Units for the 2018 season. Until mid-season, when the team underwent a reorganisation of its management structure and the agreement between Sauber and Honda was cancelled for 2018. With the team staying put with Ferrari Power-Units and sponsorship from Ferrari sister company Alfa Romeo for 2018 and onwards.
Number 3: 1992 Team Lotus and Izuzu
Story: During the 1991 season, Isuzu was secretly developing a V12 F1 engine and when team boss of Team Lotus found out, Team Lotus tested an Izuzu V12 3.5 engine (Lotus 102C) with the option to race the engine in 1992. In testing the car was six seconds off the pace due to problems that could resolve such as the engine wasn’t filled with racing fuel, 80Kg heavier than 102B, due to the extra batteries that were needed. Nevertheless the potential was there with the engine with investment from Izuzu. However, Izuzu higher management refused to give investment to the F1 project meant Izuzu F1 project was cancelled. Meaning, Team Lotus use 1991 Ford V8 engines for 1992.
Number 2: 1993 and 1994 McLaren and Lamborghini
Story: McLaren had a deal to use customer spec Ford V8s for 1993 after losing their works Honda deal for 1993. During the 1993 season, McLaren tested a MP4/8 with a Lamborghini V12 engine underneath with Ayrton Senna and Mika Häkkinen tested the car at both Silverstone and Estoril. The modified MP4/8B dubbed McLambo, painted white with no sponsorship logos barring Goodyear.
Both Senna and Häkkinen were reportedly very impressed with the car/engine combination so much so Senna ask if they can race the car at the final two rounds of the 1993 season with a view to a full-time deal for 1994. The deal never happen as plans were by then already in motion for McLaren to use the works Peugeot V10s for 1994. In late 1993, Senna had already signed for Williams for the 1994 season. Resulting McLaren and Lamborghini deal never happening and Lamborghini pulling out of F1 at the end of the 1993 season.
Number 1: 1987 Ligier and Alfa Romeo
Story: After Renault pulled out of F1 at the end of 1986 season. Ligier had to find new engine deal, for 1987 F1 season Ligier was going to use the new Alfa Romeo 1.5 litre straight 4 turbo engine. However, during pre-season testing lead driver René Arnoux publicly gave his thoughts on the engine, comparing it to used food which gave Alfa's parent company FIAT the excuse they had been looking for to pull out of Formula 1.
As a result of losing their engine supply so close to the start of the season, Ligier had to come up with an engine in order to compete. The team managed to get a supply of Megatron (BMW) Straight 4 turbo engines for the season forcing the team to the miss the first rond of the 1987 F1 season.
To give the Ligier and Alfa Romeo the deal that Almost happen the number one choice on this list!
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