John Baldwin and Shahab Ahmed were tasked to design the car and the N179 was equipped with a new system of front radiators, which theoretically should have cooled the engine and allowed underside downforce.

However, because it could no longer cool down the engine the drivers suffered from excessive heat in the cockpit.

[5] He qualified for the United States Grand Prix West but retired after an accident.

[6] Ensign used the older N177 at Spain and Belgium, but Daly failed to qualify both times.

[14] He was replaced by Swiss driver Marc Surer for the final three races, the Italian, Canadian and United States Grand Prix's.