The Book of Inventions: The Formula 1

 

The passion for the motor car turned into racing and by the end of 19^th century the first racing car competitions had begun. To begin with, there were no limits or rules as to the types of cars taking part in different races, and the competition was open to almost any method of transport on four wheels. Then from 1906, the competition was divided into two major groups of ‘formula cars’, both of which were free to experiment with technical improvements to make the car perform better. The first group were the course formula cars, with specifications as to the number of engine cylinders, fuel consumption and the size of the car. The second group were the free group which had no specification limits.

                Formula 1 racing began in 1946, and from the time it was officially establish in 1950, it was destined to become the most famous racing car competition in the world. Formula 1 began as a racing competition around specially-built circuits. At first, only those cars with precise technical specifications could compete. Over the years, Formula 1 racing has changed, largely due to the technical progress within the motor car industry. Formula 1 racing has given designers and manufacturers the opportunity to produce cars which could test new technological innovations, such as disk brakes and fuel injection systems-improvements in structure and design which often became incorporated into cars produced commercially.

Today, Formula 1 racing cars are built very close to the ground and they are aerodynamic in design [made in such a way as to reduce air resistance and so increase speed]. They are designed for one solo driver and are built of the lightest of materials, all with the aim of reaching higher and higher speeds.