The History of Formula 1 Racing

The French approached motor racing with interest and infatuation embracing the motor car, as well as motor car racing. Formula 1 (Formula One, F1, FIA) is the immediate offspring of European Grand Prix Motor Racing, originating in France in 1894. The Grand Prix began as an uncomplicated race held on unguarded roads from one community to the following community; however, there were numerous collisions that caused serious injuries and deaths. Early on and prior to world championship founding, twenty races were held from spring to autumn throughout Europe. During the 1930s, viable motor cars came primarily from the German-made Mercedes Benz and Daimler, and during the 1950s and '60s it was Italy's Alfa Romeo that was dominate. During this time, Formula 1 was not considered World Championships. A mere six of the twenty-two Formula 1 races held in 1950 are regard as World Championships.

In this instance, the term "formula" applies to a set of rules which all contributors, contestants, and motor cars must adhere to. And the term, "Formula 1" indicates the most advanced and competitive of Formula 1's racing formula. The first non-competitive Formula 1 race was held in 1946 using its new formula. Formalization of the rules was made in 1947, after World War II. The first Formula 1 championship race held in 1950 was located at Silverstone Circuit (British Grand Prix) straddling the boundaries of Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire, England, UK.

To this day, every racing event of the Formula 1 is termed a Grand Prix which translated means Big Prizes. The Formula 1 racing period is made up of a succession of races taking place on specially designed circuits and guarded public roads with the results of each race tallied to annually determine two world champions: a driver and a constructor. A super license, the highest class of racing license with strict qualifications and issued by the FIA, is required to participate in the Formula 1.

Through the years advancements have been made to the motor car, and drivers honed their skills to make Formula 1 a premier group of single-seater autos sanctioned by the International Federation of Automobiles, a non-profit association representing the wellbeing of motor associations and motor car patrons. A Formula 1 course racing car uses sleek downwards force to reach speeds up to 220 M.P.H. and a revolutions per minute limit of 18,000.

The Grand Prix is a weekend event beginning with two gratis practice sessions the first day and one gratis practice session the second day. The qualifying session is held subsequent to the final free practice session which establishes the opening order of the race. The Grand Prix is held on various continents, in front of worldwide spectators thanks to unwavering interest promoted by the marketing industry and television. Due to its popularity, millions to billions of dollars are spent and made as automobile companies use the Formula 1 as an opportunity to showcase their autos, drivers, and constructors to a large audience.

Throughout its inception, there have been political, governmental, and manufacturer disputes, as well as conflicts between the FISA and the FOCA bringing us to where we are today.