!!link!! — 1996 Formula One Season

1996 saw the final year of the high-cockpit "sidepod" designs before more stringent head-protection rules were enforced. It was also the first year F1 used the 107% qualifying rule to ensure all cars on the grid were competitive.

Following Ayrton Senna's death in 1994, the FIA continued its aggressive push for increased safety. For 1996, engine displacement was reduced from 3.5L to , though the number of cylinders remained unrestricted (V8s, V10s, and V12s all appeared on the grid). The cars became narrower, and the cockpit openings were enlarged to aid driver extraction. 1996 formula one season

Benetton retained their Renault engines but lost Schumacher. They brought in Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger, two fast but inconsistent veterans, to lead the team. 1996 saw the final year of the high-cockpit