The F1 Grand Prix rally, a heart-pounding sport that has captured the imagination of racing enthusiasts, has a remarkable history that traces back over a century.
From simple village to village races, now in the 21st century, the F1 Grand Prix rally has become more sophisticated and loved.
The first race ever
Back in 1900, an event was organized by James Gordon Bennett Jr., the owner of the renowned New York Herald and the Herald Tribune newspapers. He introduced the Gordon Bennett Cup in Europe, an annual race that became a global magnet. This drew enthusiastic competitors from all corners of the world. What’s more, each country was granted the opportunity to register up to three cars for the race.
These competitions didn’t just stay put in the racing arena. They had a ripple effect that reached far and wide. Thanks to the inspiration drawn from these events, a Swiss-born fellow named Louis Chevrolet, made a decision to pack his bags and set sail for the US. As early as 1901, he emerged as the star of American countryside races.
The Grand Prix
In 1906, the first race to carry the iconic name “Grand Prix” was actually put together by the Automobile Club of France (CAF). They made it a two-day spectacle, and the action took place in June.
Why so much love?
The stunning locations where these races take place. We’re talking about the charming streets of Monaco, the vast deserts of Abu Dhabi, and the electrifying Singapore (it’s the only night race, by the way).
These cars are built for speed. To keep things square on the race track, there are some rules in place.
After each race, they weigh both the cars and their drivers, with all their racing gear still on. It’s all to make sure they’re meeting those weight limits. An average driver sheds 6.5 pounds during a race, all thanks to dehydration.
Grand Prix in the UK 2024
Heard the news about the Formula 1 race at Silverstone? It’s all set to keep the engines roaring until at least the end of 2024! This exciting deal was sealed back in 2019, but it didn’t come easy – they had some seriously long negotiations, especially when it came to the financial nitty-gritty.
This circuit was where it all began! It hosted the very first F1 race that actually counted toward the world championship on May 13, 1950.
Will you be there?