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determination and an adequate budget could build their own cars, slot in a Cosworth and have a chance of winning Grands Prix. With this
introduction, Tyrrell and McLaren joined Lotus in taking on
long-standing pace-setters, Ferrari. Commercial sponsorship was the next factor to transform the face of Formula One and when Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1972 title, the black and gold colours of John Player Special were made more famous than ever before.
Formula 1 became safer after constant rule changes and technical
progress, but drivers became more serious as the financial stakes rose. As Formula 1 travelled through the 1980s it was no longer just a sport, but a business too, with Renault's involvement first as an entrant and then as an engine supplier proving how important success was to this
giant corporation.
No amount of money, however, could alter the fact that to drivers
winning is all, as Nigel Mansell proved as he fought tooth and nail to be champion. He lost out at the final round in 1986, but finally came good six years later, sending Formula 1's popularity through the roof.
Indeed, there has been some truly fantastic racing since it kicked off in 1950, and the next season always seems set to out-rank the current one.
It Sure is addictive stuff.
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