10 Memorable Moments in the World of Formula 1

May 13, 1950: The First Formula 1 Race

The British Grand Prix started it all. Located at an abandoned World War II airfield in Silverstone, England, the race was attended by around 140,000 fans, including King George VI, the Queen, and Princess Margaret. The winner was Giuseppe Farina, a former cavalry officer driving an Alfa Romeo.

MAY 21, 1950: Debut Of Ferrari

Making its debut at the famous Monaco Grand Prix in 1950, Scuderia Ferrari, the Italian racing division of the auto manufacturer Ferrari, has been the only team to participate in every year of the world championship from 1950 until the present day.

JULY 16, 1955: First English Driver To Win British Grand Prix

Stirling Moss, a veteran racer born in London, claimed his first victory in Formula One at the British Grand Prix held at the Aintree Racecourse, driving for Mercedes-Benz.

JANUARY 19, 1958: First Rear-Engine Victory

The Argentine Grand Prix in 1958 will forever stand in Formula One history, as it was the first victory powered by an engine in the rear. Won by Stirling Moss, the Cooper Car Company rear engine design would be adapted by all of the cars within two years.

MAY 12, 1968: Advertising Sponsorships Allowed

Before advertising became normal in 1968, the team's nationality determined the cars' color. For example, Italian teams were Red, and French teams were Blue. However, Team Gunston, a private team founded by racing driver John Love, became the first to incorporate sponsorship brands on their cars, specifically orange, brown, and gold colors, representing Gunston cigarettes. After that race, many teams followed the pattern.

JULY 20, 1968: Grand Prix Cars Sprout Wings

British multinational automotive manufacturer, Lotus, pioneered a technical revolution that changed Formula One cars forever. The idea? Adding small front and rear wings to the cars, to help increase aerodynamic downforce, which pushes the car to the track and gives more traction in corners. This new design debuted at the Monaco Grand Prix, and by the British Grand Prix, all of the teams' cars had adapted the addition.

APRIL 27, 1975: Only Woman To Score A (Half) Point.

At the Spanish Grand Prix, Maria Grazia Lombardi was the first and only woman to score half a point in Formula One history. The race was cut short after twenty-nine laps, so she was awarded half a point for finishing in sixth place.

APRIL 12, 1981: Carbon Fiber Introduced.

When former McLaren CEO Sir Ron Dennis joined the team, he introduced the first carbon fiber monocoque chassis designed by English racing car engineer John Barnard at the Argentine Grand Prix. Its lightweight and robust characteristics made it the standard material for Formula One cars. Under Dennis, McLaren became the second most successful team in the series after Ferrari. 

AUGUST 25, 1991: Michael Schumacher's Debut.

German driver Michael Schumacher had his Formula One debut at the Belgian Grand Prix under the Jordan team. After qualifying seventh, he was forced to retire on the first lap due to a broken clutch. However, the Benetton team rapidly signed him as a regular driver, and he went on to win the title in 1994 and 1995. Throughout his career, Schumacher won 7 championship titles, 91 race wins, 155 podiums, and 1566 career points, making him one of the best drivers in Formula One history.

NOVEMBER 15, 2020: Lewis Hamilton Equals—And Beats— Schumacher.

Joining McLaren in 2007, British driver Sir Lewis Hamilton, scored his first championship title just one year later. After leaving the team to join Mercedes-Benz in 2013, Hamilton has won 7 World Drivers Championships, tying with Michael Schumacher, and holds the records for most wins (105), pole positions (104), and podium finishes (201).

Elements of this story are taken from Formula 1: The Impossible Collection by Brad Spurgeon.