The Tyrrell 011 was designed by Maurice Philippe for the Tyrrell Racing Organisation. It made its debut in the hands of American Eddie Cheever at the 1981 German Grand Prix where he qualified 18th and finished the race in the points with 5th place. The car was powered by the Cosworth DFV V8 engine and initially ran on Avon tyres though the team later switched to Goodyear rubber.

The 011 raced in three seasons of Formula One (1981 - 1983) although its only full season was 1982. Drivers for Tyrrell in that time included Cheever, Michele Alboreto, Brian Henton, Slim Borgudd and Danny Sullivan. Tyrrell were able to win 2 races with the 011, both by Alboreto. The first win at the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix was also Alboreto's first and the last 011 victory was the 1983 Detroit Grand Prix. This race was also the last of 155 Grand Prix wins for the Cosworth DFV engine which had made its F1 debut 16 years earlier in 1967.