figma
Welcome to my animated SPA LIA site.
Here, I will explain the history of my favorite racing series ever, F1, and talk through every decade of this sport. This website would also contain information about each driver that have won the championship.
1950's1960's1970's1980's1990's2000's2010's2020's
History of F1
F1 has its roots in pre-war era regulations. First defined by the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI) in 1946
as the premier single-seater racing category in worldwide motorsport to become effective in 1947.
Before the first official World Championship in 1950, top-level racing was defined by the "Grand Prix" era of the 1920s and 30s. This period saw massive, front-engined machines from manufacturers like Bugatti and Alfa Romeo battling on public roads. The late 1930s were particularly dominated by the "Silver Arrows" of Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union, backed by the German government to showcase engineering might. These cars were incredibly powerful, sometimes exceeding 500 horsepower, but they were monstrously difficult to drive and lacked any modern safety features.
1950's
1950 marks the inaugural season of F1.
The sport began as a high-stakes arena for front-engined giants. Alfa Romeo dominated early with pre-war designs, followed by a period of Ferrari supremacy under Alberto Ascari. The mid-decade was defined by the technical sophistication of Mercedes-Benz and the five titles of Juan Manuel Fangio. By 1959, the "rear-engine revolution" led by Cooper forever changed car architecture.
Champions
Giuseppe FarinaJuan Manuel FangioAlberto AscariMike HawthornJack Brabham
1960's
Lotus and designer Colin Chapman introduced the monocoque chassis, making cars lighter and more structural. Jim Clark emerged as the era's benchmark for talent. The decade saw engine power double in 1966 and the arrival of the legendary Ford-Cosworth DFV. By the late 60s, wings appeared for downforce and commercial sponsorship replaced national racing colors.
Champions
Jack BrabhamPhil HillGraham HillJim ClarkJohn SurteesDenny HulmeJackie Stewart
1970's
The 1970's era was focused on the "Ground Effect," using underbody tunnels to suck cars to the track. It was defined by the iconic rivalry between Niki Lauda and James Hunt. While Lotus perfected aerodynamic grip, Renault introduced the first turbocharged engines. Safety became a major movement led by Jackie Stewart following several high-profile tragedies.
The 1980's saw a massive spike in horsepower, with turbocharged engines reaching over 1,000 hp. McLaren introduced the first carbon fiber chassis, revolutionizing driver safety. The decade was dominated by the "Four Kings"—Senna, Prost, Mansell, and Piquet—whose intense rivalries turned F1 into a global television powerhouse.
Champions
Alan JonesNelson PiquetKeke RosbergNiki LaudaAlain ProstAyrton Senna
1990's
The early 90s featured "active" cars with computer-controlled suspension and traction control. After the tragic death of Ayrton Senna in 1994, the sport underwent a total safety transformation. Michael Schumacher rose to prominence, winning titles with Benetton, while McLaren and Williams battled for technical supremacy through aerodynamic refinement.
The 2000's were arguably THE best decade of the sport. Ferrari and Michael Schumacher achieved an unprecedented five consecutive titles, defined by mechanical perfection and strategic refueling stops. The decade featured screaming V10 engines and the rise of a new generation, including Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton. Brawn GP provided a historic underdog story in 2009 by exploiting a technical loophole.
This decade also saw the entrance of many manufacturers into the sport such as BMW, Toyota, Spyker, Honda, and others.
Champions
Michael SchumacherFernando AlonsoKimi RaikkonenLewis HamiltonJenson Button
2010's
The 2010's began with Sebastian Vettel's four titles at Red Bull before transitioning to the 1.6L V6 Turbo Hybrid era in 2014. Mercedes established a record-breaking period of dominance with Lewis Hamilton. Safety reached a new milestone with the introduction of the Halo device, and the sport's popularity exploded globally through digital media.
Champions
Sebastian Vettel Lewis HamiltonNico Rosberg
2020's (ongoing)
The 2020's saw a total regulation change in 2022 brought back ground effect aerodynamics to improve wheel-to-wheel racing. Max Verstappen and Red Bull emerged as the new dominant force, breaking multiple win records. The sport expanded significantly in the United States, while shifting its focus toward a 100% sustainable fuel future for 2026 but this new regulation proved to be extremely controversial between fans and drivers alike.
Lewis HamiltonMax VerstappenLando Norris
