The 250F was designed by Gioacchino Colombo, Vittorio Bellentani, and Alberto Massimino, with tubular chassis work completed by Valerio Colotti. It was conceived during a period of evolving Formula One regulations centered around the 2.5 litre engine displacement. The design team aimed to create a competitive front-engined car capable of challenging the emerging competition. A streamlined version with partially enclosed wheels, reminiscent of the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 "Typ Monza", was developed for the 1956 French Grand Prix to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
The Maserati 250F was principally powered by the Maserati A6 straight-six engine, displacing 2,493 cc (152.1 cu in) and producing 220 bhp at 7400 rpm. The engine featured dimensions of 84 mm × 75 mm (3.31 in × 2.95 in). The car utilized ribbed 13.4" drum brakes, wishbone independent front suspension, a De Dion tube axle, and Borrani 16" and 17" wheels fitted with Pirelli Stella Bianca tyres.
In 1955, upgrades were introduced including a 5-speed gearbox, SU fuel injection increasing power to 240 bhp, and Dunlop disc brakes. Later development, led by Giulio Alfieri, resulted in the 250F T2 cars in 1956. These featured lighter steel tubes for a slimmer, stiffer chassis. The T2 also experimented with a new 2,491 cc (152.0 cu in) V12 engine (68.7 mm × 56 mm (2.70 in × 2.20 in)) producing 315 bhp (235 kW), though it didn’t offer a significant performance advantage over the straight-six. This V12 engine was subsequently developed into a 3 litre version that powered the Cooper T81 and T86 cars to two race wins between 1966 and 1969, evolving into the "Tipo 10" variant with three valves and two spark plugs per cylinder.
The 250F made its racing debut at the 1954 Argentine Grand Prix, where Juan Manuel Fangio) secured the first of his two victories with the car before moving to Mercedes-Benz. Fangio) ultimately won the 1954 Drivers' World Championship, accumulating points with both Maserati and Mercedes-Benz. Stirling Moss also raced a privately owned 250F throughout the entire 1954 season, and Prince Bira was another driver who favored the car.
In 1956, Stirling Moss achieved victories at the Monaco and Italian Grands Prix while driving a works car. Juan Manuel Fangio) continued his success with the 250F in 1957, winning four more championship races, including his final win at the German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring on August 4, 1957. At the Nürburgring, Fangio overcame a 48-second deficit in 22 laps, passing Mike Hawthorn on the final lap to claim the victory, breaking the lap record ten times in the process.
By the 1958 season, the 250F was becoming increasingly uncompetitive against the newer rear-engined Formula One cars. However, it remained popular with privateer teams, including Maria Teresa de Filippis, and continued to be used by backmarkers through the 1960 F1 season, which was the last for the 2.5 litre formula.
In total, the 250F participated in 46 Formula One championship races with 277 entries, resulting in eight wins. Its success extended beyond World Championship events, with 250F drivers achieving numerous victories in non-championship races around the world.
Stirling Moss later stated that the 250F was the best front-engined F1 car he ever drove. The 250F’s V12 engine was further developed and found success in other racing applications, powering the Cooper T81 and T86 to race wins in the late 1960s.
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