The Toro Rosso STR12 is a Formula One racing car designed and constructed by Scuderia Toro Rosso to compete during the 2017 Formula One season. The car made its competitive début at the 2017 Australian Grand Prix. It was initially driven by Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz, Jr., however both drivers were replaced by Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley towards the end of the season, after the former was dropped from the Red Bull programme, and the latter began a 2018 contract with Renault four races early.[2][3]

Toro Rosso STR12
Carlos Sainz Jr. driving the STR12 at the Malaysian Grand Prix
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorToro Rosso
Designer(s)
  • James Key (Technical Director)
  • Ben Waterhouse (Deputy Technical Director)
  • Paolo Marabini (Head of Structural Design)
  • Mark Tatham (Head of Mechanical Design)
  • Brendan Gilhome (Head of Aerodynamics)
PredecessorToro Rosso STR11
SuccessorScuderia Toro Rosso STR13
Technical specifications[1]
ChassisCarbon-fibre composite survival cell
Suspension (front)Upper and lower carbon wishbones, pushrod, torsion bar springs, central damper and anti-roll bars. Sachs dampers
Suspension (rear)Upper and lower carbon wishbones, pullrod, torsion bar springs, central damper and anti-roll bars. Sachs dampers
Length5,250 mm (207 in)
Width2,000 mm (79 in)
Height950 mm (37 in)
Wheelbase3,500 mm (138 in)
EngineRenault R.E.17 (rebadged as Toro Rosso), 1.6 L (98 cu in) direct injection V6 turbocharged engine, limited to 15,000 rpm in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout
Electric motorKinetic and thermal energy recovery systems
TransmissionRed Bull Technology Eight-speed + one reverse sequential, longitudinally mounted with hydraulic system for power shift and clutch operation with limited-slip differential
Weight728 kg (1,605 lb)
FuelEsso / Mobil
LubricantsMobil 1
BrakesBrembo carbon discs, calipers and pads
TyresPirelli P Zero (dry) tyres
Pirelli Cinturato (wet) tyres
Competition history
Notable entrantsScuderia Toro Rosso
Notable drivers
Debut2017 Australian Grand Prix
Last event2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
200000

The radical regulation changes meant that the STR12 started on a clean sheet of paper, but it was designed and built by the same people in Faenza and Bicester who produced its predecessor, which was regarded as an excellent package. The STR12 is powered by engines supplied by Renault after the team used 2015-specification Ferrari power units throughout the 2016 season;[4] however, the engines were rebadged and the engine and chassis package run under the name 'Toro Rosso'.

Season summary

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Brendon Hartley making his debut for Toro Rosso during the United States Grand Prix

Aiming high in 2017, two driver changes through the year derailed the team's hopes of securing a sixth-place World Constructors' Championship finish. Sainz had a year of ups and downs with the team, finishing in the points position on nine occasions, but retiring on six occasions. He finished an electrifying 4th place at Singapore.[5] Sainz collected 48 points for the team over his 16 race span at the team. Kvyat had a sub-par year, starting the season off well with a ninth-place finish in Australia. He also scored points in Spain and the United States, but collected only 5 points over the course of 15 races. The Italian team finished the season in 7th place in the Constructors' Standings with 53 championship points.[6]

Livery

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The STR12 sported a new blue livery with a red accents across the side of the car. This was the final year for Estrella Galicia sponsorship, following Sainz' final year with the team.

Complete Formula One results

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(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers Grands Prix Points WCC
AUS CHN BHR RUS ESP MON CAN AZE AUT GBR HUN BEL ITA SIN MAL JPN USA MEX BRA ABU
2017 Scuderia Toro Rosso Renault R.E.17 P
  Pierre Gasly 14 13 13 12 16 53 7th
  Brendon Hartley 13 Ret Ret 15
  Daniil Kvyat 9 Ret 12 12 9 14† Ret Ret 16 15 11 12 12 Ret 10
  Carlos Sainz, Jr. 8 7 Ret 10 7 6 Ret 8 Ret Ret 7 10 14 4 Ret Ret
Notes
  • † – Driver failed to finish the race, but was classified as they had completed greater than 90% of the race distance.

References

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  1. ^ Keith Collantine (17 June 2016). "Pirelli confirms new three-year F1 deal to 2019". racefans.net. Retrieved 2024-05-10.
  2. ^ "F1 – 2017 Provisional Entry List". Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 6 December 2016. Archived from the original on 6 December 2016. Retrieved 6 December 2016.
  3. ^ "Pierre Gasly to drive with Scuderia Toro Rosso". Toro Rosso. Retrieved 26 September 2017.[dead link]
  4. ^ Baretto, Lawrence (29 May 2016). "Red Bull and Toro Rosso F1 teams sign Renault engine deal". autosport.com. Haymarket Publications.[dead link]
  5. ^ "Carlos Sainz Jr: Singapore GP was 'my best day in F1' after fourth place finish for Toro Rosso". Motorsport.com. 18 September 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  6. ^ "2017 Constructor Standings". Formula 1. Retrieved 1 May 2023.