Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1301602
The Grandes Épreuves ("Grand Trial") was the first official predecessor to F1, combining the European Grand Prix with the Indy 500 in the US. This formed the foundations of the international championship which in 1906 denoted the start of the eight most important racing events of the year. Early races were heavily nationalistic, with auto manufacturers often representing country of origin and rules varying country to country. But even at the time, engineers had to innovate around restrictions on engine size, usually no more than four cylinders, producing less than 50 horsepower. The driver carried a dedicated mechanic as a passenger, and only these two were allowed to work on the car during a race. From the beginning, technology and an understanding of the mechanics of racing and vehicle maintenance were embedded into the sport. TECHNOLOGY AS A SPORT A GRAND HISTORY OF RACING TECHNOLOGY Over 100 years ago in France, drivers and automotive engineers started pushing the limits of automotive technology, first with speed tests, then with endurance challenges, and eventually on purpose-built circuits and closed city streets in front of live audiences. These early races evolved into what we now know as Formula 1, in some ways making F1 racing the longest- running technology competition, recognized for being dynamic in both its evolution and embrace of new technology. After 70 years it remains one of the few sports that combines real-time skill with engineering and technical prowess, where the evolution of the rules and tools is not seen as a bug but a feature, built into the DNA of the sport. This keeps a growing base of over 500 million fans engaged and drivers and teams always pushing as races are won and lost in tenths of a second. Technology evolved each decade; the winner of the 1906 Grand Prix, Renault, took the title in large part to its working with Michelin to develop the first detachable wheel rims that didn't require prying off and replacing pneumatic tyres. For the next 24 years, regulations on technology would include the first "formulas" of engine size and vehicle weight, with fluctuating periods of both heavy regulations and near lawlessness. I N T R O D U C T I O N 1904 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is formed to represent the interests of motoring organizations 1902 Renault introduces drum brakes to replace band brakes TIMELINE A History of Formula 1 ® technology 1935 Dieppe Grand Prix Dieppe, France. 21 July 1935 I N T R O D U C T I O N | 4