Have you ever wondered why Formula 1 is called Formula 1 ?
The derivation of the name "Formula 1" goes way back to the 1950's.
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Formula 1
Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports without any doubt. How did the sport get its name though? The simple answer is that the 1 stands for the top category in motorsports. It is the ultimate racing. Then what about the word “Formula”, where did it stem from? The actual word Formula 1 dates back to 1950. It’s time to take a quick jump back in history to learn something interesting.
Back in 1950, Formula 1’s original title was Grand Prix d’Europe. That’s how the Royal Automobile club promoted the races. Within this title, they incorporated the British Grand Prix. Inside the supplementary regulations for the eligible cars the term “Formula 1” was first mentioned.
The facts mentioned in this regulation were, “There must be some form of protection between the engine and the driver’s seat” and, “Each car must have two reflector mirrors,” and that was it, which is surprising considering the number of rules there are now, created by the FIA. However, they do not take credit for the name.
“Formula” was a set of rules and regulations set by the organising committee, and they were not the FIA, this was done by the CSI, the non-profit Commission Sportive Internationale. In 1922, yes 101 years back, the AIACR the organising body had international races and championships. They looked after different motorsport racing clubs. They created a separate commission CSI, to control the sporting regulations so that the AIACR could just focus on organising the races themselves. This was to keep the business separate.
Related : Which was the first alcohol brand to sponsor a car in Formula 1?
The race cars back in 1950s with just 2 rules
The 1950s in Formula 1
In the 1950 British Grand Prix, the AIACR changed their name to FIA. However, the CSI were still a separate entity and made the rules and formulas for the championship. The regulations have evolved over the years, it now reflects the latest technology used and safety standards have improved. In 1960 it was first referred to as the Formula 1 championship but it wasn’t given the title yet. So when did it actually become the name?
In 1978, the racing control wanted to make it more professional and it was rebranded from CSI to FISA ( Federation Internationale du Sport Automobile ) by Jean-Marie Balestre. In 1986 he became the president of the FIA and absolved the CSI back into the FIA. This was just due to the funding. The CSI was non-profit and the income relied on the fees and races it held and also with the television rights.
Bernie Ecclestone controlled television rights back in the 1980s. The revenue income was on the decline back then. So all the racing categories, not just F1 were looked after by them and brought back into the FIA. This was because the CSI would otherwise run out of money and wouldn’t be able to operate anymore.
In 1981, a concurred agreement between the teams and the FIA came into regulating the sport. The championship was then given the title “FIA world championship Formula One”
This is a sport that attracts the best teams, drivers and engineers from all around the world. The design and construction of the car, the engine and fuels that can be used, equipment for the drivers’ teams, tyres, media, and marketing have all evolved just like its name. Having said all this, in jest, it is easier to tell people it is called F1 because it’s the number 1 racing series.
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Gerard Crispin
(3318 Articles Published)