Formula One racing has been around since it's earliest form, European Grand Prix racing, events which had been taking place in the 1920s and 30s. Eventually, a general post-WWII set of regulations and common rules were established.

The World Championship that we know today was ultimately created and agreed upon in 1947, and in 1950 in Silverstone, the first actual race took place. Since then, Formula One racing is constantly changing and adapting to technological advanances in car manufacturing, although the basic format remains the same.

Read on to find out more about your favourite sport!

• First rules and general format put in place (1947)
  

• First World Championship held in Silverstone (1950)
  

• Spectators watch every year from home in over 200 countries
  

• Races are generally held in Europe, as it was here that the race was born, however:
  

• In 1999 races took place in the U.S., Bahrain, China, Malaysia, and Turkey
  

• From 1950-1958 Mercedes-Benz, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari all dominated the motor racing scene
  

• In 1961 all drivers were using mid-engined cars
  

• Between 1962 and 1973 the British team won a total of 12 world championships
  

• In 1968 the first example of sponsorship was included on the racing cars
  

• In the 1980s and 90s Mclaren and Williams teams dominated the tracks and:
  

• Drivers from the two mentioned as well as Ferrari and Renault have won every single race since 1984 to today