The History of Formula One Racing

Formula One racing began in 1946, although it is said to have roots in the racing circuits as early as the 1890's in France. In 1946 Formula One racing was set as the premier single seat racing circuit worldwide by the Commission Sportive Internationale a division of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile's or in abbreviation form the CSI of the FIA. The first World Championship for Formula One drivers was held in 1950. Giuseppe ("Nino") Farina, who drove an Alfa Roméo 158, won the first Formula One Championship by just 3 points.

In the early years of Formula One racing, the Italian made cars were dominating the field. The Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, and Maserati were burning up the tracks with countless wins across the world. In 1954 and 1955, Mercedes were running the circuit, until a horrible accident at the end of the season in 1955. The accident killed 83 people and Mercedes withdrew from racing for nearly forty years. The car manufacturer Lancia also withdrew their cars from the Formula One racing after a driver was killed. It was never determined if Alberto Ascari's death was a direct result of his crash on the track that lead to his death four days later.

Through the years the Formula One engine have with gone many changes, from things like fuel type changes to the size of the engine. The engine sizes had grown from a 2 liter to a 2.5 liter before they were downsized in 1961 to a non turbo 1.5 liter in order to slow the cars down. This engine was used for the next five years. They speed was returned in 1966 with Formula One engines increasing to the 1.5 liter turbo charged and a 3.0 liter engine.

In 1968, Formula One racing saw 2 major changes that are still seen today. The use of non automobile related sponsorship was started and first used one a Lotus Formula One team. In May of that year they sported the colors of Imperial Tobacco's Gold Leaf brand, red, gold, and white.

The wing that still appears on the car today was also introduced to Formula One that same year. Through the next ten years changes to the cars came and went. New things were tried but nothing that stuck until 1977. The ground effects which has be revealed a year early as an experiment were taking hold in the Formula One world. These ground effects made for a better down force which created a better grip for the cars and higher speeds.

It was also in 1977 that Renault had introduced their RS01. This brought the 1.5 liter turbo charges engines and Michelin tires to Formula One. McLaren introduced the carbon fiber chassis in 1981. The carbon fiber was not only lighter but stiffer allowing for better grip and higher cornering speeds. The use of turbo engines grew through out the early 1980's until fuel consumption for the turbos were restricted. Then in 1984 refueling of the cars was banned, a blow to the high consuming turbo engines. After the reappearance of the atmospheric engines to Formula One in 1987, turbo engines were banned in 1989.

In the years that followed FIA the rules and regulations have been changed for Formula One. As the fan base and popularity grows and new technology comes about the rules will continue to grow and change as Formula One does.