It was driven by Giancarlo Fisichella, who had moved from Jordan, and Alexander Wurz, who was in his first full season of F1 after deputising for the unwell Gerhard Berger in 1997.

Early in the season, Benetton held third place in the Constructors' Championship after Fisichella finished second at two successive races and took pole position in Austria.

However, the team ultimately finished the season in fifth place, placing some blame with Bridgestone for favouring eventual champions McLaren, the tyre supplier's top team at that time.

[2] The livery for B198 was completely changed with the blue colour on the top, white on the sides and red accents.

Benetton used the 'Mild Seven' logos, except at the French, British and German Grands Prix.