Early Years

Timeline of Early F1

• Early 1900s

  Grand Prix racing grew out of early 20th‑century European road competitions

  

  Source: RedBull/Getty Images

• 1920s–30s

  Events in France, Italy and Germany attracted crowds and spurred engineering advances

  

  Source: AutoMobilist

• 1950

  The first official world championship race took place on 13 May 1950 at Silverstone

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• 1950s–60s

  Legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio dominated, but danger loomed with many fatalities

  

  Source: RedBull

• Safety Movement

  Sir Jackie Stewart campaigned for improved barriers, medical facilities, and track design

  

  Source: MotorSport Images