F1 Explained: What is F1? How did it all begin?

'F1 Explained' is a new series on the Inside Line F1 Podcast that will re-visit some of the most-basic questions, rules & history on the sport of Formula 1.

This series will be hosted by Mithila & the segments will be presented by Aditya Bhat, the creator of the @bhat.tech on Instagram.

Amidst our regular race coverage schedule, when will 'F1 Explained' air on the Inside Line F1 Podcast?

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Whenever there's a fortnight-long gap between races, we will be there with a new episode of the 'F1 Explained' series. The first episode of the series answers the question - what is F1 and how did it all begin?

We're experimenting new content formats to cater to the new fans & build a bridge with us old timers. Let's know how you like (or don't?) our series & if there is a specific topic you want us to cover. 

Next episode - between the Austrian & French Grands Prix

(Season 2022, Episode 37)

Follow our hosts: Mithila Mehta & Aditya Bhat

Image courtesy: Mercedes

**F1 Explained: Unveiling the History and Evolution of Formula One**

In this episode of the 'F1 Explained' series, we delve into the origins and history of Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsports. Aditya Bhatt, the host of this segment, takes us on a journey back in time to explore the roots of this exhilarating sport.

**The European Championship: A Precursor to Formula One**

Before Formula One took center stage, the European Championship reigned supreme in the 1930s. This racing series awarded points based on finishing positions, with the winner receiving one point, the runner-up two points, and so on. Points were also given for completing different portions of the race before mechanical failures ended a driver's run. The driver with the lowest point tally at the end of the season was crowned champion.

**The Birth of Formula One: A New Era Begins**

In 1950, Formula One emerged as the successor to the European Championship, marking a significant shift in the world of motorsports. The governing body, known as the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), introduced strict regulations and guidelines for car construction, giving rise to the term "Formula One." This elite class of racing cars represented the pinnacle of speed and performance.

**The Inaugural Formula One World Championship**

The first Formula One World Championship was held in 1950, featuring seven races across various European countries and the United States. Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Ferrari, renowned Italian giants, dominated the grid, alongside other British and French racing teams. The British Grand Prix at Silverstone served as the season opener, with Giuseppe Farina securing pole position and converting it into a race win.

**Points System and Driver Standings**

The point system in the early days of Formula One awarded points to the top five finishers, with eight points for the winner and one point for the fifth-place finisher. An additional point was given for the fastest lap. Giuseppe Farina emerged as the inaugural Formula One World Champion, winning three out of seven races. Interestingly, Juan Manuel Fangio, who also won three races, lost the title due to mechanical issues in the other races he participated in.

**The Evolution of Formula One: A Thriving Global Spectacle**

From its humble beginnings in 1950, Formula One has grown into a global phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide. The sport has witnessed the rise of legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, who hold the record for the most championships with seven titles each. Today, Formula One boasts over 22 races per season, with ten teams and twenty drivers competing fiercely for victory.

**Drive to Survive: Expanding the Fan Base**

In recent years, the Netflix docu-series Drive to Survive has played a significant role in attracting new fans to Formula One. This series offers an immersive behind-the-scenes look at the sport, providing insights into the lives of drivers, teams, and the intense rivalries that fuel the competition.

**Conclusion: Formula One's Enduring Legacy**

Formula One has come a long way since its inception in 1950, evolving into a global sporting spectacle that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The sport's rich history, iconic drivers, and fierce rivalries have cemented its place as the pinnacle of motorsports. As Formula One continues to break new ground, the future promises even more thrilling races, technological advancements, and unforgettable moments for fans to cherish.

[00:00.000 -> 00:24.280] Hi guys, my name is Mithila and you're listening to the Inside Line Formula One podcast.
[00:24.280 -> 00:28.720] Now I'm sure you guys are wondering where is Somil and doesn't he usually greet you
[00:28.720 -> 00:33.840] guys when you hit play on this podcast? Well for all of you Somil fans don't worry he is
[00:33.840 -> 00:39.280] around. And in fact you all won't be hearing from Kunal either in this episode. Some of
[00:39.280 -> 00:43.640] you seasoned listeners you all might remember me. I've been part of the Inside Line Formula
[00:43.640 -> 00:49.640] 1 Podcast since 2015. I've been away on a brief maternity break and I'm happy to
[00:49.640 -> 00:54.880] be back, in parts of course. So guys, given the explosion of fans that
[00:54.880 -> 01:00.680] Formula One has recently had, you know in fact our podcast too, such an explosion what
[01:00.680 -> 01:08.200] we've been seeing, we wondered if there was a good way to integrate new fans of the sport with us, old-timers.
[01:08.200 -> 01:13.880] So we got thinking and thought, let's have an F1 Explained series on our podcast.
[01:13.880 -> 01:19.800] A series to bridge the gap between the new and the seasoned fans, if you will.
[01:19.800 -> 01:24.900] And also a series to revisit facts and rules in the history of Formula 1.
[01:24.900 -> 01:27.880] Something that's of interest to all of us. also a series to revisit facts and rules in the history of Formula 1.
[01:27.880 -> 01:33.880] The series will be hosted by me Mithila and we have with us the super amazing Aditya Bhatt.
[01:33.880 -> 01:40.640] Aditya manages the very popular bhatt.tech page on Instagram.
[01:40.640 -> 01:45.040] This series will play out whenever there's a fortnight's gap between two races.
[01:45.040 -> 01:50.860] So this is the first episode of the F1 Explained series and we really hope y'all like it.
[01:50.860 -> 01:56.080] In this episode, we're going to talk about what is Formula One and guys, how did it start?
[01:56.080 -> 01:58.080] What's it all about?
[01:58.080 -> 02:01.920] So I'm going to hand over now to Aditya and he's going to take over on the other side
[02:01.920 -> 02:03.760] of the short break.
[02:03.760 -> 02:06.040] And you'll hear from me later on in this episode.
[02:06.400 -> 02:09.000] Here's a pretty fundamental question.
[02:09.000 -> 02:11.920] Why is Formula One called Formula One?
[02:12.080 -> 02:13.120] When did it begin?
[02:13.120 -> 02:16.160] What is the history of the sport we love and enjoy?
[02:16.560 -> 02:20.280] In this episode, let us rewind to the origins of F1.
[02:21.080 -> 02:29.000] The first ever Formula One World Championship race was held at Silverstone in 1950, but that's not where Formula One started.
[02:29.000 -> 02:38.000] In the 30s, it was called the European Championship, a racing series where the higher you finished, the fewer points you got.
[02:38.000 -> 02:43.000] One point for the winner, two if you came second, three points if you finished third.
[02:43.000 -> 02:48.000] There were also points for how much of the race you lasted before you broke down.
[02:48.000 -> 02:50.460] Yep, reliability was that much of a problem.
[02:50.920 -> 02:53.920] The driver with the least amount of points at the end of the season
[02:53.920 -> 02:55.680] was crowned champion.
[02:55.680 -> 02:57.960] And the season wasn't for long either.
[02:57.960 -> 03:01.720] In fact, in the early 30s, the season meant just three races.
[03:01.800 -> 03:03.960] Italy, France and Belgium.
[03:04.000 -> 03:04.960] That was it.
[03:04.960 -> 03:05.580] The European
[03:05.580 -> 03:11.600] Championship lasted till 1939 until the Second World War broke out and it was
[03:11.600 -> 03:18.480] radio silence till the war ended in 1946 but then it was time to revive racing. It
[03:18.480 -> 03:23.600] was also time for a rebrand. Instead of it being the European Championship let's
[03:23.600 -> 03:26.120] make it a World championship and let's
[03:26.120 -> 03:31.880] rename the governing body, let's call it the Federation Internationale del Automobile,
[03:31.880 -> 03:37.540] the FIA. So why call it Formula One? Well, the formula here is the strict set of rules
[03:37.540 -> 03:43.080] set out according to which the cars must be built. One, because that's the elite class,
[03:43.080 -> 03:47.840] the premier class, there are no racing cars faster than these, the Formula One class.
[03:48.560 -> 03:55.620] So then 1950, the first year of the Formula One Championship of drivers, Britain, Monaco,
[03:55.960 -> 04:02.400] Switzerland, Belgium, France, Italy and an American race, the Indianapolis 500.
[04:02.680 -> 04:06.480] The point system was sorted out as well. The top five finishers
[04:06.480 -> 04:13.480] awarded points in the order of 8, 6, 4, 3, 2 and one additional point for fastest lap.
[04:13.480 -> 04:18.600] And yes, most points meant winning, not the other way around. The participating teams
[04:18.600 -> 04:25.920] included Italian giants like Alfa Romeo, Maserati and Ferrari as well as other British and French racing teams.
[04:26.480 -> 04:32.400] The championship opener was the British Grand Prix at Sylvester. With Queen Elizabeth in
[04:32.400 -> 04:39.520] attendance, Giuseppe Farina put his Alfa Romeo on pole with a 1.50.8, only two times faster than
[04:39.520 -> 04:47.600] his teammate Luigi Fagioli. Just for reference, Lewis Hamilton's pole time in 2021 was a 1.26.1, but of course,
[04:47.600 -> 04:53.120] the track layout was different as well. In the race, half the grid retired with mechanical
[04:53.120 -> 05:00.720] issues. Farina converted his pole to a win, with only P2 and P3 drivers finishing on the lead lap,
[05:00.720 -> 05:08.240] a 1, 2 and 3 for Alfa Romeo. P4 was 2 laps behind. Farina was crowned the
[05:08.240 -> 05:14.960] 1950 Formula 1 world champion, having won 3 of the 7 races that season. Interestingly,
[05:14.960 -> 05:21.000] the man who just fell short of the title, Juan Manuel Fangio also won 3 out of 7, but
[05:21.000 -> 05:25.920] every other race he participated in, Fangio DNF'd with a car issue.
[05:25.920 -> 05:31.560] Another interesting aspect of the 1950 season was that not one driver participated in all
[05:31.560 -> 05:33.280] seven races.
[05:33.280 -> 05:38.740] Even the title protagonists only did the six European races and did not go over for the
[05:38.740 -> 05:41.000] American race, the Indy 500.
[05:41.000 -> 05:46.380] There were American drivers in America just to take over for that one race.
[05:46.380 -> 05:51.140] And thus began the Formula One Drivers World Championship, with the Constructors title
[05:51.140 -> 05:53.740] being added in 1958.
[05:53.740 -> 06:00.260] From 1950 to 2021, we've had an F1 World Championship every year, with 34 different
[06:00.260 -> 06:02.380] drivers being crowned champions.
[06:02.380 -> 06:09.800] The first one, of course, Giuseppe Farina, the latest of course Max Verstappen, the youngest Sebastian Vettel age 23, the
[06:09.800 -> 06:16.280] oldest Fangio aged 46 and of course Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton
[06:16.280 -> 06:21.040] hold the record for the most championships, seven each. I hope you've
[06:21.040 -> 06:29.000] enjoyed this quick Formula One history lesson. I've been Aditya Bhatt at Bhatt.Tech on Instagram and I'll see you on the next one.
[06:29.000 -> 06:33.000] Thank you for that amazing refresher Aditya, it was so interesting.
[06:33.000 -> 06:38.000] I actually got goosebumps, you know, when I think of Formula One as a sport that's over 70 years old
[06:38.000 -> 06:44.000] and still in recent times, you know, so appealing to all the younger audiences.
[06:44.000 -> 06:47.000] As it stands today, Formula One has had 22
[06:47.000 -> 06:54.540] or more races per season, with 10 teams building cars every year, 20 racers fighting for every
[06:54.540 -> 07:00.800] inch of the racing track. That whole picture gives me goosebumps. And I think now with
[07:00.800 -> 07:06.100] Drive to Survive, actually, the sport is also evolving, attracting newer audiences and it continues
[07:06.100 -> 07:07.100] to grow.
[07:07.100 -> 07:12.780] So, anyway guys, if you all like the F1 Explained series, write to us and let us know. We would
[07:12.780 -> 07:17.840] love to hear your feedback. Even better, leave us a review, leave us a rating, we'd love
[07:17.840 -> 07:24.200] that too. And you know, if there are any topics that you all want us to discuss or share more
[07:24.200 -> 07:25.060] about, you all should just tell us, so we know what you all want us to discuss or share more about you all should
[07:25.060 -> 07:29.920] just tell us so we know what you all want. The next episode of the F1 Explained
[07:29.920 -> 07:33.280] series that's going to be between the Austrian and the French Grand Prix so
[07:33.280 -> None] stay tuned and see you there. you