The car was powered by an Ilmor 3.5L V10 engine badged as a Mercedes-Benz. The development of this car signalled Mercedes-Benz's return to Formula One, providing their first engine for an F1 car since 1955.
From the Spanish Grand Prix, the car ran with higher cockpit sides after Wendlinger suffered severe injuries in a side-on accident during qualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix which left him in a coma. Higher cockpit sides were later made mandatory for all cars in the 1996 season, and were still in use up to 2017, when they were integrated with the "halo" system.
The C13 was replaced for the 1995 season by the Sauber C14.
Sponsorship and livery
Broker served as the team's main sponsor until the French Grand Prix, when Tissot replaced them on the car. By the German Grand Prix, the dots and an image of the wristwatch wad added for remainder of the season.
At the Canadian Grand Prix, the sidepods of de Cesaris' car featured "Forza Andrea" ("Go Andrea"), "200 Gran Premi" ("200 Grands Prix") and "In bocca al lupo!" ("Good luck!"), marking his 200th race start.