1990's
After the banning of turbo engines, it became clear that the change in the rules had not had the desired effect of keeping a check on costs. The investments bore fruit, though: the induction engines broke the specific power barrier of 200 hp per 1000 cc of capacity for the first time. On the aerodynamics front, there was the introduction of the 'high nose', a component which quickly became an indispensable feature of modern F1. Other changes included the car width being reduced from two metres to 180 centimetres, larger cockpits were stipulated for safety reasons and in place of conventional treadless slicks, was rib tread tyres.
1980's
The 80's began with a real boom in Formula One racing. Lap times were reduced by an average of three seconds from the previous year, a result in particular of increased cornering speeds enabled by improved ground-effect technology This rapid development was a cause of alarm for the drivers. Suddenly it had become an effort to brace the head against the enormous centrifugal force, and it required more and more strength and concentration to keep feet on the pedals while cornering. At the same time, the constructors began to pay attention to the minutest of details in order to improve their car's aerodynamics.
1970's
All the Formula One cars built from 1950 until the end of 1969 had one thing in common: a central air intake in the nose of the car which supplied the engine with combustion and cooling air. An alternative didn't seem to exist. But the 70's entered into new territory, doing away with the aerodynamic opening altogether, making the nose a closed wedge, and the radiators disappeared into the boxes which formed the sides of the car. Thanks to this pioneering invention, the cars could travel 14 km/h faster on long straights than its predecessor, even with the same engine.
1950's
Looking back, the cars of those days might appear to us to be completely unsuitable for their task. They were technical miracles built for the purpose of earthbound flight, made up of chassis, cockpit, panelling, engine, tank and wheels - and nothing else.There was one thing that the World Championship cars of the first generation had in common: the engine was at the front. The engines could not be fuelled using conventional petrol because of the enormous thermal difficulties, so regulations allowed free choice of fuel, including a good dose of alcohol for cooling purposes.