Formula One - Then to now

In the years before 1950, motor racing had been dominated by individual Grand Prix competitions. However, during the Forties the decision was made to link together several of these in order to create a single Championship competition In 1949 the FIA, announced that the following here would see the in inauguration after Formula 1 World Cup Championships.  7 races were granted Championship status, with 6 European rounds and 1 American, the Indianapolis 500. Although technically part of the world championships, the 500 was slightly separated in that it did not run to Formula 1 rules, and it was really  contested by Europeans.  Farina wins first Grand Prix The race was held at Silverstone in May 1950, in front of 150000 strong crowd which included the royal family. It was won by the Italian driver Nino Farina, racing for Alfa Romeo - one of three drivers who were to dominate the first decade of the competition.  For Alfa, Monza was home territory, and so they they fielded and additi