F1

Brief History of Formula 1, the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars.

by
David Roberts
October 11, 2023

Formula One has a rich and storied history that dates back to the early 1900s. The sport’s roots can be traced back to the European Grand Prix championships of the 1920s and 1930s. However, the modern Formula One era began in 1946 with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) standardisation of rules, which was followed by the first Formula One World Championship in 1950.

Here’s a brief overview of the history of Formula 1

Pre-Formula 1 Era:

1906: The first ever Grand Prix motor racing event took place in France.
1920s-1930s: Grand Prix racing became more organized, with manufacturers like Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, and Auto Union competing.

Formula 1 World Championship Era (1950 onwards):

1950:The early years of Formula One were dominated by European manufacturers and drivers. Italian teams Alfa Romeo and Ferrari won the first five World Championships, and Italian drivers Giuseppe Farina and Alberto Ascari were the first two champions. The first Formula 1 World Championship season was held. Italian Giuseppe Farina won the inaugural championship driving for Alfa Romeo.
1950s: Juan Manuel Fangio, Alberto Ascari, and Mike Hawthorn were notable drivers during this period. Mercedes and Ferrari were prominent teams.
1960s: British teams and drivers gained prominence. Jack Brabham, Graham Hill, and Jim Clark were dominant drivers. British teams Lotus and McLaren began to emerge as major players. Jim Clark (Lotus) won two World Championships in 1963 and 1965, and Jackie Stewart (McLaren) won three World Championships in 1969, 1971, and 1973.
1970s: The era of fierce rivalry between Ferrari, Lotus, and McLaren. Niki Lauda and James Hunt were famous rivals.
1980s: The turbocharged era, dominated by McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams. Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost became iconic rivals.
1990s: Michael Schumacher emerged as a dominant force, first with Benetton and later with Ferrari. Williams and McLaren were also strong teams.
2000s: Schumacher continued his dominance with Ferrari. Later in the decade, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen became champions. Lewis Hamilton made his debut and quickly became a significant force.

2010s: Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel, driving for Red Bull, dominated the decade. Mercedes became the dominant team, winning multiple constructors’ championships.
2020s (up to 2021): Hamilton continued his success, breaking numerous records. Red Bull, with Max Verstappen, emerged as a strong competitor to Mercedes.

Formula One is a constantly evolving sport, with new technologies and innovations being introduced all the time. The sport is also facing a number of challenges, such as the need to reduce emissions and improve safety.

Throughout its history, Formula 1 has seen technological advancements, changes in regulations, and the rise of iconic drivers and teams. Please note that there have been developments in Formula 1 since my last update in September 2021, and I recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information on Formula 1 history.

History Recap

The early years of Formula One were dominated by European manufacturers and drivers. Italian teams Alfa Romeo and Ferrari won the first five World Championships, and Italian drivers Giuseppe Farina and Alberto Ascari were the first two champions.

In the 1960s, British teams Lotus and McLaren began to emerge as major players. Jim Clark (Lotus) won two World Championships in 1963 and 1965, and Jackie Stewart (McLaren) won three World Championships in 1969, 1971, and 1973.

The 1970s saw the rise of Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, who went on to become one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. Senna won three World Championships in 1988, 1990, and 1991.

The 1980s and 1990s were dominated by French engine manufacturer Renault and their partner teams, McLaren and Williams. Alain Prost (McLaren) won four World Championships in 1985, 1986, 1989, and 1993, while Nigel Mansell (Williams) won the 1992 World Championship.

In the 2000s, German driver Michael Schumacher became the most successful Formula One driver of all time, winning seven World Championships. Schumacher’s dominance was broken by Spanish driver Fernando Alonso in 2005 and 2006.

In recent years, the sport has been dominated by British driver Lewis Hamilton, who has won seven World Championships. Hamilton is now tied with Schumacher for the most World Championships won by a Formula One driver.

Formula One is now a global sport with races held all over the world. The sport is also one of the most popular and lucrative sporting leagues in the world.

Here is a timeline of some of the most notable events in Formula One history:

1950: The first Formula One World Championship is held. Italian driver Giuseppe Farina (Alfa Romeo) wins the title.
1955: The Le Mans disaster kills 83 spectators and 17 competitors. Formula One races at Le Mans are banned.
1963: Jim Clark (Lotus) wins the first of his two World Championships.
1969: Jackie Stewart (McLaren) wins the first of his three World Championships.
1973: Jochen Rindt (Lotus) becomes the first and only posthumous Formula One champion.
1976: Niki Lauda (Ferrari) survives a fiery crash at the German Grand Prix but suffers severe burns. He returns to racing just six weeks later and goes on to win the World Championship that year.
1988: Ayrton Senna (McLaren) wins the first of his three World Championships.
1990: Senna and Alain Prost (McLaren) collide at the Japanese Grand Prix, handing the World Championship to Prost.
1991: Senna wins the World Championship again.
1994: Senna is killed in a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix.
1997: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) wins the first of his seven World Championships.
2005: Fernando Alonso (Renault) wins the first of his two World Championships.
2008: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) wins his first World Championship.
2014: Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport begins their dominance of Formula One, winning eight consecutive World Constructors’ Championships.
2020: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupts the Formula One season, with several races cancelled or postponed.
2021: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) wins his first World Championship in controversial circumstances.
2022: Verstappen wins his second World Championship in a dominant season.