The complete history of Formula 1, season by season — a visual companion to the F1: A History of Racing podcast. New entries appear as episodes are released. Subscribe: jacobkemner.com/f1

  1. 1894 – 1949

    Prologue: Before Formula 1

    Formula: No single formula — from town-to-town trials to the AIACR’s evolving Grand Prix rules: the 750 kg formula (1934–37), then 3.0L supercharged / 4.5L naturally aspirated (1938–39). The CSI coins the name “Formula 1” in 1946.

    Champions: No official title for most of the era. The AIACR European Championship (1931–39) — Nuvolari (1932) among disputed crowns. The greats: Nuvolari, Varzi, Caracciola, Rosemeyer.

    Defining cars: Mercedes-Benz W125 — 5.7L supercharged straight-eight, ~595 bhp, desmodromic valves. Auto Union Type C/D — Porsche’s mid-engine V16. Alfa Romeo 158 “Alfetta” — born in voiturette, hidden from the Wehrmacht, developed from 200 to 300+ bhp; the car that would dominate F1’s first seasons.

    Engineering: Roots superchargers, alcohol fuels, wind-tunnel streamliners at ~160 mph — with tires and drum brakes as the limiting factor.

    State-funded Silver Arrows against fearless naturals: Nuvolari silencing the Nürburgring in 1935, Rosemeyer’s death in a 1938 record attempt, and a sport rebuilding from war toward a World Championship.

    Episode 1 show notes →