Editing Formula One (section)

==History==
{{Main|History of Formula One}}
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Formula One originated from the [[World Manufacturers' Championship]] ([[1925 Grand Prix season|1925]]–[[1930 Grand Prix season|1930]]) and [[European Drivers' Championship]] ([[1931 Grand Prix season|1931]]–[[1939 Grand Prix season|1939]]). The [[Formula racing|''formula'']] is a set of rules that all participants' cars must follow. Formula One was a formula agreed upon in [[1946 Grand Prix season|1946]] to officially become effective in [[1947 Grand Prix season|1947]]. The first Grand Prix in accordance with the new regulations was the [[1946 Turin Grand Prix]], anticipating the formula's official start.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Editrice La Stampa |url=https://archive.org/details/lastampa_1946-09-01/page/n1/mode/2up?view=theater |title=La Stampa (1946-09-01) |date=1 September 1946 |publisher=Editrice La Stampa S.p.A. |others=CSI Piemonte |pages=3 |language=Italian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2 March 1946 |title=L'Équipe : le stade, l'air, la route |url=https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bd6t5100156g/f2.item.zoom |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Gallica |language=EN}}</ref> Before [[World War II]], a number of Grand Prix racing organisations made suggestions for a new championship to replace the European Championship, but due to the suspension of racing during the conflict, the new International Formula for cars did not become formalised until 1946, to become effective in 1947. The new World Championship was instituted to commence in [[1950 Formula One season|1950]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=13 May 2020 |title=Remembering F1's first world championship race 70 years on |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/first-f1-race-silverstone-1950/4791619/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606181346/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/first-f1-race-silverstone-1950/4791619/ |archive-date=6 June 2020 |access-date=11 September 2024 |website=[[Motorsport.com]]}}</ref>

The first world championship race, the [[1950 British Grand Prix]], took place at [[Silverstone Circuit]] in the United Kingdom on 13&nbsp;May 1950.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2021 |title=Facts you may not know about Silverstone Circuit and its place on the F1 calendar |url=https://www.silverstonemuseum.co.uk/about-us/our-organisation/blog/facts-you-may-not-know-about-silverstone-circuit/ |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Silverstone Museum |archive-date=18 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518141045/https://www.silverstonemuseum.co.uk/about-us/our-organisation/blog/facts-you-may-not-know-about-silverstone-circuit/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Giuseppe Farina]], competing for [[Alfa Romeo in Formula One|Alfa Romeo]], won the first Drivers' World Championship, narrowly defeating his teammate [[Juan Manuel Fangio]]. Fangio won the championship in {{F1|1951}}, {{F1|1954}}, {{F1|1955}}, {{F1|1956}}, and {{F1|1957}}.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=13 October 2003 |title=Michael Schumacher surclasse ses rivaux et dépasse Juan Manuel Fangio |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/2003/10/13/michael-schumacher-surclasse-ses-rivaux-et-depasse-juan-manuel-fangio_337886_1819218.html |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Le Monde |archive-date=18 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518140148/https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/2003/10/13/michael-schumacher-surclasse-ses-rivaux-et-depasse-juan-manuel-fangio_337886_1819218.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This set the record for the most World Championships won by a single driver, a record that stood for 46 years until [[Michael Schumacher]] won his sixth championship in 2003.<ref name=":1" />

[[File:Alfa-Romeo-159-(1951).jpg|thumb|right|[[Juan Manuel Fangio]]'s {{F1|1951}} title-winning [[Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta|Alfa Romeo 159]]]]
A Constructors' Championship was added in the [[1958 Formula One season|1958 season]]. [[Stirling Moss]], despite often being regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers in the 1950s and 1960s, never won the Formula One championship.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lawton |first=James |date=18 September 2011 |title=Hamilton still on track to greatness |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/james-lawton-hamilton-still-on-track-to-greatness-397525.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220525/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/james-lawton-hamilton-still-on-track-to-greatness-397525.html |archive-date=25 May 2022 |access-date=2 November 2021 |work=[[The Independent]] |location=London}}</ref> Between 1955 and 1961, Moss finished second in the championship four times and third the other three times.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lawton |first=James |date=28 August 2007 |title=Moss can guide Hamilton through chicane of celebrity |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/james-lawton-abramovich-the-tinker-man-undermines-mourinho-s-own-vision-of-a-dream-team-5334983.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240913003708/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/james-lawton-abramovich-the-tinker-man-undermines-mourinho-s-own-vision-of-a-dream-team-5334983.html |archive-date=13 September 2024 |work=[[The Independent]] |publisher= |issn=1741-9743 |oclc=185201487}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Henry |first=Alan |date=12 March 2007 |title=Hamilton's chance to hit the grid running |url=http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,,2032039,00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418205919/http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,,2032039,00.html |archive-date=18 April 2008 |access-date=30 October 2007 |work=[[The Guardian]] |location=London}}</ref> Fangio won 24 of the 52 races he entered—still the record for the highest Formula One winning percentage by an individual driver.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seymour |first=Mike |date=7 December 2023 |title=In Numbers: How Verstappen compares to other F1 greats at this stage of his career |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/in-numbers-how-verstappen-compares-to-other-f1-greats-at-this-stage-of-his.m8QeD2t7xQGjmY4tqTd0q |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521103406/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/in-numbers-how-verstappen-compares-to-other-f1-greats-at-this-stage-of-his.m8QeD2t7xQGjmY4tqTd0q |archive-date=21 May 2024 |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Formula1.com |language=en |quote=Juan Manuel Fangio—Stats after 51 Grands Prix: 5 world titles, 24 wins (47%), 35 podiums (68.6%), 29 pole positions (56.8%)}}</ref> National championships existed in South Africa and the UK in the 1960s and 1970s. Promoters held non-championship Formula One events for many years. Due to the increasing cost of competition, the last of these was held in 1983.<ref name="LastnonchampF1">{{cite web|title=The last of the non-championship races|url=http://www.forix.com/8w/roc83.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070227105027/http://www.forix.com/8w/roc83.html|archive-date=27 February 2007|access-date=17 November 2007|website=forix.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=10 April 2021 |title=The beer and curry secret of F1's last non-points race |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-race-champions-sullivan-1983/4779232/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708190942/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-race-champions-sullivan-1983/4779232/ |archive-date=8 July 2023 |access-date=3 September 2024 |website=[[Motorsport.com]]}}</ref>

This era featured teams managed by road-car manufacturers, such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, [[Mercedes-Benz in Formula One|Mercedes-Benz]] and [[Maserati in motorsport|Maserati]]. The first seasons featured prewar cars like Alfa Romeo's [[Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta|158]], which were [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|front-engined]], with narrow tyres and 1.5-litre supercharged or 4.5-litre naturally aspirated engines. The {{F1|1952}} and {{F1|1953}} seasons were run to [[Formula Two]] regulations, for smaller, less powerful cars, due to concerns over the dearth of Formula One cars.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.autocoursegpa.com/season_decade~decade_id~1.htm |title = Decade seasons 1950–1959 |access-date =17 November 2007 |publisher= Autocourse |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070807233339/http://www.autocoursegpa.com/season_decade~decade_id~1.htm |archive-date = 7 August 2007}}</ref><ref>Note: at the time the only two cars competitive with the new Formula were the pre-war [[Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta]] and the new [[BRM Type 15]], the latter having a poor reliability-record when introduced, causing it not to finish a number of the first Formula One races, forcing the Alfa to complete the races against the remainder of a field consisting of uncompetitive cars.</ref> When a new Formula One formula for engines limited to 2.5 litres was reinstated for the 1954 world championship, [[Mercedes-Benz]] introduced its [[W196]], which featured things never seen on Formula One cars before, such as [[desmodromic valve]]s, [[fuel injection]], and enclosed streamlined bodywork. Mercedes drivers won the championship for the next two years, before the team withdrew from all motorsport competitions due to the [[1955 Le Mans disaster]].<ref>{{cite news |first= Bill |last= Tuckey |title= Moss returns to scene of GP victory |work= The Age |location= Australia Company|date= 28 January 1994|quote= the all-conquering Mercedes-Benz cars... When the Germans withdrew from racing after the Le Mans 24-hour tragedy}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 July 2014 |title=Matters of moment, January 1956 |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/january-1956/11/matters-of-moment-january-1956/ |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== Technological developments ===
[[File:MossLotusClimax19610806.jpg|thumb|right|[[Stirling Moss]]'s [[Lotus 18]] at the [[Nürburgring]] during {{F1|1961}}]]

The first major technological development in the sport was [[Bugatti]]'s introduction of [[mid-engined]] cars. [[Jack Brabham]], the world champion in {{F1|1959}}, {{F1|1960}}, and {{F1|1966}}, soon proved the mid-engine's superiority over all other engine positions. By {{F1|1961}} all teams had switched to mid-engined cars. The [[Ferguson P99]], a [[four-wheel drive]] design, was the last front-engined Formula One car to enter a world championship race. It entered the [[1961 British Grand Prix]], the only front-engined car to compete that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gpracing.net192.com/cars/data/186.cfm|title=Ferguson P99|access-date =17 November 2007|publisher=gpracing.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330231253/http://www.gpracing.net192.com/cars/data/186.cfm|archive-date=30 March 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref>

During {{F1|1962}}, [[Team Lotus|Lotus]] introduced a car with an aluminium-sheet [[monocoque]] chassis instead of the traditional [[space-frame]] design. This proved to be the greatest technological breakthrough since the introduction of mid-engined cars.

In {{F1|1968}}, [[Formula One sponsorship liveries|sponsorship was introduced to the sport]]. [[Team Gunston]] became the first team to run cigarette sponsorship on its [[Brabham]] cars, which [[Privateer (motorsport)|privately entered]] in orange, brown and gold colours of [[Gunston (cigarette)|Gunston]] cigarettes in the [[1968 South African Grand Prix]] on 1&nbsp;January 1968.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/09/18/behind.sponsorship/index.html |title=Sponsorship, the big business behind F1 |access-date=8 November 2007 |last=Bartunek |first=Robert-Jan |date=18 September 2007 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=22 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100222045715/http://edition.cnn.com/2007/SPORT/09/18/behind.sponsorship/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Five months later, the first [[Factory-backed|works team]], Lotus, initially using the [[British racing green]], followed this example when it entered [[Lotus 49|its cars]] painted in the red, gold, and white colours of the [[Imperial Tobacco]]'s Gold Leaf livery at the [[1968 Spanish Grand Prix]].

Aerodynamic [[downforce]] slowly gained importance in car design with the appearance of [[aerofoil]]s during the 1968 season. The wings were introduced by Lotus's owner [[Colin Chapman]] who installed modest front wings and a rear spoiler on his [[Lotus 49B]] at the [[1968 Monaco Grand Prix]]. In the late 1970s, Lotus introduced [[Ground effect (cars)|ground-effect]] aerodynamics, previously used on [[Jim Hall (racing driver)|Jim Hall]]'s [[Chaparral 2J]] in 1970, that provided enormous downforce and greatly increased cornering speeds. The aerodynamic forces pressing the cars to the track were up to five times the car's weight. As a result, extremely stiff springs were needed to maintain a constant [[ride height]], leaving the suspension virtually solid. This meant that the drivers depended entirely on the tyres for any small amount of cushioning of the car and driver from irregularities of the road surface.<ref>{{cite book |last=Staniforth |first=Allan |title=Competition Car Suspension |publisher=Haynes |year=1994 |page=96|isbn=978-0-85429-956-0}}</ref>

===Big business===
Beginning in the 1970s, [[Bernie Ecclestone]] rearranged the management of Formula One's commercial rights; he is widely credited with transforming the sport into the multi-billion dollar business it now is.<ref name="guardian280397">{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Williams|title=The Formula for Striking It Rich|work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian Newspapers |date=28 March 1997}}</ref><ref name="mrformula">{{cite news |date=13 March 1997 |title=Mr Formula One |page=72 |newspaper=The Economist |publisher=Economist Newspapers |url=https://www.economist.com/business/1997/03/13/mr-formula-one |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231014115131/https://www.economist.com/business/1997/03/13/mr-formula-one |archive-date=14 October 2023}}</ref> When Ecclestone bought the Brabham team during 1971, he gained a seat on the [[Formula One Constructors' Association]], and in 1978, he became its president.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bernie Ecclestone timeline|url=http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/32358.html|access-date=18 January 2022|website=ESPN UK|language=en|archive-date=17 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817112028/http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/32358.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Previously, the circuit owners controlled the income of the teams and negotiated with each individually; Ecclestone persuaded the teams to "hunt as a pack" through FOCA.<ref name="mrformula"/> He offered Formula One to circuit owners as a package they could take or leave. In return for the package, almost all that was required was to surrender trackside advertising.<ref name="guardian280397"/>

The formation of the [[Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile]] (FISA) in 1979 set off the [[FISA–FOCA war]], during which FISA and its president [[Jean-Marie Balestre]] argued repeatedly with FOCA over television revenues and technical regulations.<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=Blunsden |title=Filling Balestre's shoes is no job for a back-seat driver |work=Financial Times|date=20 December 1986}}</ref> ''The Guardian'' said that Ecclestone and [[Max Mosley]] "used [FOCA] to wage a guerrilla war with a very long-term aim in view". FOCA threatened to establish a rival series and boycotted a Grand Prix, and FISA withdrew its sanction from races.<ref name="guardian280397"/> The result was the 1981 [[Concorde Agreement]], which guaranteed technical stability, as teams were to be given reasonable notice of new regulations.<ref>Roebuck, Nigel "Power struggles and techno wars" Sunday Times 7 March 1993</ref> Although FISA asserted its right to the TV revenues, it gave FOCA the administration of those rights.<ref>{{cite web |author=The Racing Analyst |url=http://www.allinsport.ch/allinsport-opinion/the-fisa-foca-war/ |title=The FISA-FOCA War &#124; Allinsport |publisher=Allinsport.ch |date=12 September 2013 |access-date=13 October 2015 |archive-date=12 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712233304/http://www.allinsport.ch/allinsport-opinion/the-fisa-foca-war/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

FISA imposed a ban on [[Ground effect (cars)|ground-effect aerodynamics]] during {{F1|1983}}.<ref>{{cite news |first=Maurice|last=Hamilton|title=Pros and cons of being just Williams; A quiet achiever keeps his head down as the new season gets under way with familiar high anxiety and a squealing over brakes |work=The Observer |publisher=Guardian Newspapers|date=8 March 1998}}</ref> But by then, [[turbocharged]] engines, which [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] had pioneered in {{F1|1977}}, were producing over {{cvt|700|bhp|kW|disp=flip}} and were essential to be competitive. By {{F1|1986}}, a BMW turbocharged engine achieved a flash reading of {{cvt|5.5|bar|psi}} pressure, estimated{{who|date=January 2023}} to be over {{cvt|1300|bhp|kW|disp=flip}} in qualifying for the {{F1 GP|1986|Italian}}. The next year, power in race trim reached around {{cvt|1100|bhp|kW|disp=flip}}, with boost pressure limited to only 4.0&nbsp;bar.<ref>{{cite book |last=Bamsey |first=Ian |title=The 1000 BHP Grand Prix cars |author2=Benzing, Enrico |author3=Stanniforth, Allan |author4=Lawrence, Mike |publisher=Guild Publishing |year=1988 |isbn=978-0-85429-617-0 |pages=8–9}} BMW's performance at the Italian GP is the highest qualifying figure given in Bamsey. The figure is from [[Heini Mader]], who maintained the engines for the [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]] team, though maximum power figures from this period were necessarily estimates; BMW's [[dynamometer]], for example, was only capable of measuring up to {{cvt|1100|bhp|kW|disp=flip}}. Figures higher than this are estimated from engine plenum pressure readings. Power in race trim at that time was lower than for qualifying due to the need for greater reliability and fuel efficiency during the race.</ref> These cars were the most powerful [[open-wheel]] circuit racing cars ever. To reduce engine power output and thus speeds, the FIA limited fuel tank capacity in {{F1|1984}}, and [[Turbocharger|boost]] pressures in {{F1|1988}}, before banning turbocharged engines completely in {{F1|1989}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=The technology behind Formula One racing cars|work=[[The Press]]|publisher=The Christchurch Press Company|quote=rivalling the 1200hp turbocharged monsters that eventually had to be banned in 1989|date=26 December 2005}}</ref>

The development of electronic driver aids began in the 1980s. Lotus began to develop a system of [[active suspension]], which first appeared during 1983 on the [[Lotus 92]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Active suspension|url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-2001/69/active-suspension|access-date=26 January 2022|website=Motor Sport Magazine|date=7 July 2014|language=en-GB|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105152745/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/december-2001/69/active-suspension|url-status=live}}</ref> By 1987, this system had been perfected and was driven to victory by [[Ayrton Senna]] in the [[1987 Monaco Grand Prix|Monaco Grand Prix]] that year. In the early 1990s, other teams followed suit and [[semi-automatic gearboxes]] and [[traction control]] were a natural progression. The FIA, due to complaints that technology was determining races' outcomes more than driver skill, banned many such aids for the {{F1|1994}} season. This resulted in cars that previously depended on electronic aids becoming very "twitchy" and difficult to drive. Observers felt the ban on driver aids was in name only, as they "proved difficult to police effectively".<ref>{{cite news |first=Alan |last=Baldwin|title=F1 Plans Return of Traction Control|work=The Independent|publisher=Newspaper Publishing|date=17 February 2001}}</ref>

The teams signed a second [[Concorde Agreement]] in 1992 and a third in 1997.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ftjs031.html| title = Who owns what in F1 these days?| access-date =17 November 2007| publisher=Grandprix.com| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070312003448/http://www.grandprix.com/ft/ftjs031.html| archive-date = 12 March 2007 }}</ref>
[[File:1985 European GP Stefan Johansson 01.jpg|thumb|[[Stefan Johansson]] driving for [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]] at the [[1985 European Grand Prix]]]]
On the track, the [[McLaren]] and [[Williams Racing|Williams]] teams dominated the 1980s and 1990s. Brabham was also competitive during the early 1980s, winning two Drivers' Championships with [[Nelson Piquet]]. Powered by [[Porsche in Formula One|Porsche]], [[Honda in Formula One|Honda]], and [[Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains|Mercedes-Benz]], McLaren won 16 championships (seven constructors' and nine drivers') in that period, while Williams used engines from [[Ford Motor Company|Ford]], Honda, and [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] to also win 16 titles (nine constructors' and seven drivers'). The rivalry between racers [[Ayrton Senna]] and [[Alain Prost]] became F1's central focus during {{F1|1988}} and continued until Prost retired at the end of {{F1|1993}}. Senna [[Death of Ayrton Senna|died]] at the [[1994 San Marino Grand Prix]] after crashing into a wall on the exit of the notorious curve [[Tamburello (corner)|Tamburello]]. The FIA worked to improve the sport's safety standards since that weekend, during which [[Roland Ratzenberger]] also died in an accident during Saturday qualifying. No driver died of injuries sustained on the track at the wheel of a Formula One car for 20 years until the [[2014 Japanese Grand Prix]], where [[Jules Bianchi]] collided with a recovery vehicle after [[aquaplaning]] off the circuit, dying nine months later from his injuries. Since 1994, three track marshals have died, one at the [[2000 Italian Grand Prix]],<ref name=MarshallDeaths2000s>{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1203620.stm |title = F1's pressing safety question |access-date = 26 December 2007 |work = BBC News |date = 5 March 2001 |archive-date = 1 March 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090301162432/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/1203620.stm |url-status = live }}</ref> one at the [[2001 Australian Grand Prix]]<ref name=MarshallDeaths2000s/> and one at the [[2013 Canadian Grand Prix]].

Since Senna's and Ratzenberger's deaths, the FIA has used safety as a reason to impose rule changes that otherwise, under the Concorde Agreement, would have had to be agreed upon by all the teams—most notably the changes introduced for {{F1|1998}}. This so-called 'narrow track' era resulted in cars with smaller rear tyres, a narrower track overall, and the introduction of grooved tyres to reduce mechanical grip. The objective was to reduce cornering speeds and produce racing similar to rainy conditions by enforcing a smaller [[contact patch]] between tyre and track. According to the FIA, this was to reduce cornering speeds in the interest of safety.<ref>{{cite web | title=Mosley's Equations | website=Formula 1 Dictionary | date=20 May 2019 | url=http://www.formula1-dictionary.net/mosley_equations.html | access-date=2 September 2019 | archive-date=15 September 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915195546/http://formula1-dictionary.net/mosley_equations.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Damon Hill 1995-2.jpg|thumb|[[Damon Hill]] driving for [[Williams Racing|Williams]] at the [[1995 Canadian Grand Prix]]]]
Results were mixed, as the lack of mechanical grip resulted in the more ingenious designers clawing back the deficit with aerodynamic grip. This resulted in pushing more force onto the tyres through wings and aerodynamic devices, which in turn resulted in less overtaking, as these devices tended to make the wake behind the car turbulent or 'dirty'. This prevented other cars from following closely due to their dependence on 'clean' air to make the car stick to the track. The grooved tyres also had the unfortunate side effect of initially being of a harder compound to be able to hold the grooved tread blocks, which resulted in spectacular accidents in times of aerodynamic grip failure, as the harder compound could not grip the track as well.

Drivers from [[McLaren]], [[Williams Racing|Williams]], [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] (formerly [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]]), and [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]], dubbed the "Big Four", won every [[List of Formula One World Drivers' Champions|World Championship]] from {{F1|1984}} to {{F1|2008}}. The teams won every [[List of Formula One World Constructors' Champions|Constructors' Championship]] from {{F1|1979}} to {{F1|2008}}, as well as placing themselves as the top four teams in the Constructors' Championship in every season between {{F1|1989}} and {{F1|1997}}, and winning every race but one (the [[1996 Monaco Grand Prix]]) between {{F1|1988}} and {{F1|1997}}. Due to the technological advances of the 1990s, the cost of competing in Formula One increased dramatically, thus increasing financial burdens. This, combined with the dominance of four teams (largely funded by big car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz), caused the poorer independent teams to struggle not only to remain competitive but to stay in business. This effectively forced several teams to withdraw.

===Manufacturers' return===
[[File:Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F2001 (8968595731) (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Michael Schumacher]] (pictured here in [[2001 Formula One World Championship|2001]]) won five consecutive titles with [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]].]] Michael Schumacher and Ferrari won five consecutive Drivers' Championships (2000–2004) and six consecutive Constructors' Championships (1999–2004). Schumacher set many new records, including those for Grand Prix wins (91, since beaten by [[Lewis Hamilton]]), wins in a season (13, since beaten by [[Max Verstappen]]), and most Drivers' Championships (seven, tied with Lewis Hamilton as of 2021).<ref>{{cite news |title=Schumacher makes history |work=BBC Sport |date=21 July 2002 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2141834.stm |access-date=12 September 2006 |archive-date=5 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090505185104/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/2141834.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Schumacher's championship streak ended on 25&nbsp;September 2005, when Renault driver [[Fernando Alonso]] became Formula One's youngest champion at that time (until Lewis Hamilton in {{F1|2008}} and followed by [[Sebastian Vettel]] in [[2010 Formula One World Championship|2010]]). During 2006, Renault and Alonso won both titles again. Schumacher retired at the end of 2006 after 16 years in Formula One, but came out of retirement for the 2010 season, racing for the newly formed Mercedes works team, following the rebrand of [[Brawn GP]].

During this period, FIA frequently changed the championship rules with the intention of improving the on-track action and cutting costs.<ref>{{cite web |title=FIA Rules & Regulations Sporting Regulations: 2006 season changes |website=Formula1.com |url=http://www.formula1.com/insight/rulesandregs/13/995.html |access-date=11 May 2006|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061109185035/http://www.formula1.com/insight/rulesandregs/13/995.html |archive-date = 9 November 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Team orders]], legal since the championship started during 1950, were banned during 2002, after several incidents in which teams openly manipulated race results, generating negative publicity, most famously by Ferrari at the [[2002 Austrian Grand Prix]]. Other changes included the qualifying format, the point-scoring system, the technical regulations, and rules specifying how long engines and tyres must last. A 'tyre war' between suppliers [[Michelin]] and [[Bridgestone]] saw lap times fall, although, at the [[2005 United States Grand Prix]] at Indianapolis, seven out of ten teams did not race when their Michelin tyres were deemed unsafe for use, leading to Bridgestone becoming the sole tyre supplier to Formula One for the 2007 season by default. On 20&nbsp;December 2007 Bridgestone signed a contract that officially made it the exclusive tyre supplier for the next three seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|title=Bridgestone signs sole supplier contract|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/bridgestone-signs-sole-supplier-contract-4418515/4418515/|access-date=3 January 2022|website=[[Autosport.com]]|date=20 December 2007|language=en|archive-date=3 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103164629/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/bridgestone-signs-sole-supplier-contract-4418515/4418515/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During 2006, Max Mosley outlined a 'green' future for Formula One, in which efficient use of energy would be an important factor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fia.com/automotive/issue5/sport/article9.html |title=The last of the non-championship races |access-date=17 November 2007 |publisher=FORIX |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017063932/http://www.fia.com/automotive/issue5/sport/article9.html |archive-date=17 October 2006}}</ref>

Starting in 2000, with Ford's purchase of [[Stewart Grand Prix]] to form the [[Jaguar Racing]] team, new manufacturer-owned teams entered Formula One for the first time since Alfa Romeo's and Renault's departures in 1985. By 2006, the manufacturer teams—Renault, [[BMW Sauber|BMW]], [[Toyota F1|Toyota]], Honda, and Ferrari—dominated the championship, taking five of the first six places in the Constructors' Championship. The exception was McLaren, which at the time was part-owned by Mercedes-Benz. Through the [[Grand Prix Manufacturers Association]] (GPMA), the manufacturers negotiated a larger share of Formula One's commercial profit and a greater say in the running of the sport.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Rain Drop and Other Shades of Prosetry|first=Mandidi|last=Patrick|date=2010|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q24k0gAFopcC&q=Through+the+Grand+Prix+Manufacturers+Association+%28GPMA%29%2C+they+negotiated+a+larger+share+of+Formula+One%27s+commercial+profit+and+a+greater+say+in+the+running+of+the+sport.&pg=PA188|publisher=Eloquent Books|isbn=9781609113766|access-date=18 October 2020|archive-date=24 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824233443/https://books.google.com/books?id=q24k0gAFopcC&q=Through+the+Grand+Prix+Manufacturers+Association+%28GPMA%29%2C+they+negotiated+a+larger+share+of+Formula+One%27s+commercial+profit+and+a+greater+say+in+the+running+of+the+sport.&pg=PA188|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Manufacturers' decline and return of the privateers===
{{multiple image
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
| image1            = Pedro de la Rosa 2012 Malaysia FP2.jpg
| width1            = 216
| image2            = Kamui Kobayashi 2014 Bahrain.jpg
| width2            = 216
| image3            = Haryanto Bahrain 2016.jpg
| width3            = 216
| caption3          = The three teams that debuted in 2010 all disappeared within seven years of their debuts. From top: ''2012 HRT'' (originally [[Hispania Racing]]); ''2014 Caterham'' (originally [[Team Lotus (2010–2011)|Team Lotus]]); ''2016 Manor'' (originally [[Virgin Racing]]).}}
In 2008 and 2009, [[Honda in Formula One|Honda]], [[BMW in Formula One|BMW]], and [[Toyota in Formula One|Toyota]] all withdrew from Formula One racing within a year, blaming the [[Great Recession|economic recession]]. This resulted in the end of manufacturer dominance of the sport. The Honda F1 team went through a management buyout to become [[Brawn GP]], with [[Ross Brawn]] and [[Nick Fry]] running and owning the majority of the organisation. Brawn GP laid off hundreds of employees, but won the year's world championships. BMW F1 was bought out by the original founder of the team, [[Peter Sauber]]. The [[Lotus F1 Team]]<ref>This is not the same team as the [[Team Lotus|1954–1994]] nor [[Team Lotus (2010–2011)|2010–2011]] iterations.</ref> was another, formerly manufacturer-owned team that reverted to "privateer" ownership, together with the buy-out of the [[Renault in Formula One|Renault]] team by [[Genii Capital]] investors. But a link with its previous owners still survived, with its car continuing to be powered by a Renault engine until 2014.

McLaren also announced that it was to reacquire the shares in its team from Mercedes-Benz (McLaren's partnership with Mercedes was reported to have started to sour with the [[McLaren Mercedes SLR]] road car project and tough F1 championships, which included McLaren being found guilty of [[2007 Formula One espionage controversy|spying on Ferrari]]). Hence, during the 2010 season, Mercedes-Benz re-entered the sport as a manufacturer after it purchased Brawn GP and split with McLaren after 15 seasons with the team.

During the {{F1|2009}} season, Formula One was gripped by the [[FIA–FOTA dispute]]. FIA President Max Mosley proposed numerous cost-cutting measures for the next season, including an optional budget cap for the teams;<ref name=budgetcap>{{cite news| title = £40&nbsp;million budget cap and 13 teams for 2010| website=Formula1.com| date = 30 April 2009| url = http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/4/9290.html| access-date = 21 March 2010| archive-date = 18 February 2010| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100218045714/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/4/9290.html| url-status = live}}</ref> teams electing to take the budget cap would be granted greater technical freedom, adjustable front and rear wings, and an engine not subject to a [[rev limiter]].<ref name=budgetcap/> The [[Formula One Teams Association]] (FOTA) believed that allowing some teams to have such technical freedom would have created a 'two-tier' championship, and thus requested urgent talks with the FIA. But talks broke down and FOTA teams announced, with the exception of Williams and [[Force India]],<ref name="compromise">{{cite news |title=Mosley offers compromise on 2010 |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8107436.stm |work=BBC News |date=18 June 2009 |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317125821/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8107436.stm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="timeline">{{cite news |first=Gemma |last=Briggs |title=How the Formula One crisis unfolded |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/19/formula-one-crisis-timeline |work=The Guardian |location=UK |date=24 June 2009 |access-date=23 June 2009 |archive-date=5 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605180441/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/jun/19/formula-one-crisis-timeline |url-status=live }}</ref> that 'they had no choice' but to form a [[Grand Prix World Championship|breakaway championship series]].<ref name="timeline" />

[[File:Bernie Ecclestone 2012 Bahrain.jpg|thumb|[[Bernie Ecclestone]], the former Chief executive of the Formula One Group]]
On 24 June, Formula One's governing body and the teams reached an agreement to prevent a breakaway series. It was agreed teams must cut spending to the level of the early 1990s within two years; exact figures were not specified, and Max Mosley agreed he would not stand for reelection to the FIA presidency in October.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8116756.stm |title=F1 deal ends threat of breakaway |work=BBC News |date=24 June 2009 |access-date=21 March 2010 |archive-date=16 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016235200/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8116756.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Following further disagreements, after Mosley suggested he would stand for reelection,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/f1news/5642225/Max-Mosley-makes-dramatic-U-turn-over-his-future-as-FIA-president.html |title=Max Mosley makes dramatic U-turn over his future as FIA president |last=Cary |first=Tom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614013133/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/f1news/5642225/Max-Mosley-makes-dramatic-U-turn-over-his-future-as-FIA-president.html |archive-date=14 June 2018 |website=The Telegraph |date=26 June 2009}}</ref> FOTA made it clear that breakaway plans were still being pursued. On 8&nbsp;July, FOTA issued a press release stating it had been informed it was not entered for the 2010 season,<ref name="FOTA Press Release">{{cite web|url=http://www.teamsassociation.org/press-release/2009-07-08/press-release |title=Press release |publisher=Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) |date=8 July 2009 |access-date=8 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711161729/http://www.teamsassociation.org/press-release/2009-07-08/press-release |archive-date=11 July 2009 }}</ref> and an FIA press release said the FOTA representatives had walked out of the meeting.<ref name="FIA Press Release">{{cite web|url=http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/f1releases/2009/Pages/2010_fia_fota.aspx |title=Press Release |publisher=FIA |date=8 July 2009 |access-date=8 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710120028/http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/f1releases/2009/Pages/2010_fia_fota.aspx |archive-date=10 July 2009 }}</ref> On 1&nbsp;August, it was announced FIA and FOTA had signed a new Concorde Agreement, bringing an end to the crisis and securing the sport's future until 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Concorde Agreement finally signed |url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77481 |last=Beer |first=Matt |date=1 August 2009 |access-date=1 August 2009 |archive-date=21 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621065909/http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77481 |url-status=live }}</ref>

To compensate for the loss of manufacturer teams, four new teams were accepted entry into the 2010 season ahead of a much anticipated 'cost-cap'. Entrants included a reborn [[Team Lotus (2010–2011)|Team Lotus]]—led by a Malaysian consortium including [[Tony Fernandes]], the boss of [[Air Asia]]; [[HRT Formula 1 Team|Hispania Racing]]—the first Spanish Formula One team; and [[Virgin Racing]]—[[Richard Branson]]'s entry into the series following a successful partnership with Brawn the year before. They were also joined by the [[US F1 Team]], which planned to run out of the United States as the only non-European-based team in the sport. Financial issues befell the squad before they even made the grid. Despite the entry of these new teams, the proposed cost-cap was repealed and these teams—which did not have the budgets of the midfield and top-order teams—ran around at the back of the field until they collapsed; HRT in 2012, Caterham (formerly Lotus) in 2014 and Manor (formerly Virgin, then Marussia), having survived falling into administration in 2014, at the end of 2016.

=== Hybrid era ===
A major rule shakeup in {{F1|2014}} saw the 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 engines replaced by 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid power units. This prompted Honda to return to the sport in 2015 as the championship's fourth power unit manufacturer. Mercedes emerged as the dominant force after the rule shakeup, with [[Lewis Hamilton]] winning the championship closely followed by his main rival and teammate, [[Nico Rosberg]], with the team winning 16 out of the 19 races that season. The team continued this form in the next two seasons, again winning 16 races in {{F1|2015}} before taking a record 19 wins in [[2016 Formula One World Championship|2016]], with Hamilton claiming the title in the former year and Rosberg winning it in the latter by five points. The 2016 season also saw a new team, [[Haas F1 Team|Haas]], join the grid, while [[Max Verstappen]] became the youngest-ever race winner at age 18 in [[Spanish Grand Prix|Spain]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ostlere |first=Lawrence |date=15 May 2016 |title=F1: Max Verstappen wins Spanish GP after Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg crash – as it happened |language=en-GB |work=the Guardian |url=http://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2016/may/15/f1-spanish-gp-live-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg |access-date=28 April 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731070554/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2016/may/15/f1-spanish-gp-live-lewis-hamilton-nico-rosberg |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:FIA F1 Austria 2018 Nr. 44 Hamilton.jpg|thumb|[[Mercedes-Benz in Formula One|Mercedes]] won eight consecutive constructors' titles and [[Lewis Hamilton]] won six drivers' titles during the beginning of the hybrid era.]]
After revised aerodynamic regulations were introduced, the [[2017 Formula One World Championship|2017]] and [[2018 Formula One World Championship|2018]] seasons featured a title battle between Mercedes and Ferrari.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brierty |first=William |date=28 December 2017 |title=2017 F1 Season Review – Top 10 drivers of the season |url=https://readmotorsport.com/2017/12/28/2017-f1-season-review-top-10-drivers-season/ |access-date=6 February 2017 |website=Read Motorsport |language=en |archive-date=5 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105161801/http://readmotorsport.com/2017/12/28/2017-f1-season-review-top-10-drivers-season/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 August 2017 |title=Vettel: I believe we have the best car |url=https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/29/vettel-i-believe-we-have-the-best-car/ |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=GRAND PRIX 247 |language=en-US |archive-date=29 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829134257/https://www.grandprix247.com/2017/08/29/vettel-i-believe-we-have-the-best-car/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Parkes |first=Ian |date=1 December 2017 |title=An Exciting F1 Season That Still Ended With Mercedes on Top |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/01/sports/autoracing/mercedes-f1-season-review.html |url-access=registration |access-date=6 February 2023 |issn= |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206222629/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/01/sports/autoracing/mercedes-f1-season-review.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=2018 F1 World Championship {{!}} Motorsport Database |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2018-f1-world-championship/ |access-date=6 February 2023 |website=Motorsport Database – Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206222630/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/database/championships/2018-f1-world-championship/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Mercedes ultimately won the titles with multiple races to spare and continued to dominate in the next two years,<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 December 2020 |title=The incredible origin story of the Mercedes F1 era |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-incredible-origin-story-of-the-mercedes-f1-era/ |access-date=9 January 2023 |website=The-Race.com |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109031646/https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-incredible-origin-story-of-the-mercedes-f1-era/ |url-status=live }}</ref> eventually winning seven consecutive Drivers' Championships from 2014 to [[2020 Formula One World Championship|2020]] and eight consecutive Constructors' titles from 2014 to 2021. During this eight-year period between 2014 and 2021, a Mercedes driver won 111 of the 160 races,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mercedes – Seasons • STATS F1 |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/mercedes/saison.aspx |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=statsf1.com |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222811/https://www.statsf1.com/en/mercedes/saison.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> with Hamilton winning 81 of these and taking six Drivers' Championships during this period to equal Schumacher's record of seven titles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2015 |title=Mercedes Formula 1 domination: How they created such a big advantage over their rivals |url=https://foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/mercedes-formula-1-domination-how-they-created-such-a-big-advantage-over-their-rivals/news-story/c63f5c9182e6deec9e1d5629792f3908 |access-date=9 January 2023 |website=Fox Sports |language=en |archive-date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109031652/https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsport/formula-one/mercedes-formula-1-domination-how-they-created-such-a-big-advantage-over-their-rivals/news-story/c63f5c9182e6deec9e1d5629792f3908 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Horton |first=Phillip |date=22 February 2022 |title=The Secret to Mercedes' F1 Dominance Is Really No Secret |url=https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a39172422/secret-to-mercedes-f1-dominance-really-no-secret/ |access-date=9 January 2023 |website=Autoweek |language=en-US |archive-date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109030156/https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a39172422/secret-to-mercedes-f1-dominance-really-no-secret/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=How does Mercedes' dominance of F1 compare to previous eras? |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-does-mercedes-dominance-of-f1-compare-to-previous-eras-4999120/4999120/ |access-date=18 January 2023 |website=Autosport.com |date=13 October 2015 |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118222809/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-does-mercedes-dominance-of-f1-compare-to-previous-eras-4999120/4999120/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In [[2021 Formula One World Championship|2021]], the Honda-powered Red Bull team began to seriously challenge Mercedes, with Verstappen beating Hamilton to the Drivers' Championship after a season-long battle that saw the pair exchange the championship lead multiple times.

This era has seen an increase in car manufacturer presence in the sport. After Honda's return as an engine manufacturer in 2015, Renault came back as a team in 2016 after buying back the [[Lotus F1 Team]]. In 2018, [[Aston Martin]] and [[Alfa Romeo]] became Red Bull and Sauber's title sponsors, respectively. Sauber was rebranded as [[Alfa Romeo Racing]] for the 2019 season, while [[Racing Point]] part-owner [[Lawrence Stroll]] bought a stake in Aston Martin to rebrand the Racing Point team as Aston Martin for 2021. In August 2020, all ten F1 teams signed a new Concorde Agreement committing them to the sport until 2025, including a $145 million budget cap for car development to support equal competition and sustainable development.<ref>{{cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=23 May 2020 |title=F1 teams agree to introduce budget cap from 2021 onwards |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/may/23/f1-teams-agree-to-introduce-budget-cap-from-2021-onwards |work=The Guardian |access-date=28 June 2020 |archive-date=29 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629065814/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/may/23/f1-teams-agree-to-introduce-budget-cap-from-2021-onwards |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Luke|title=All 10 Formula 1 teams sign up for new Concorde Agreement|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151511/all-f1-teams-sign-up-for-new-concorde-agreement|access-date=5 October 2020|website=Autosport.com|date=19 August 2020|language=en|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204120305/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/151511/all-f1-teams-sign-up-for-new-concorde-agreement|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] forced the sport to adapt to budgetary and logistical limitations. A significant overhaul of the technical regulations intended to be introduced in the 2021 season was pushed back to 2022,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-announce-new-f1-regulations-to-be-delayed-until-2022.1lwtaLmpNcQd0z9SnMEyK8.html |title=FIA announce new F1 regulations to be delayed until 2022 |date=19 March 2020 |access-date=9 June 2021 |website=Formula1.com |archive-date=12 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112224909/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-announce-new-f1-regulations-to-be-delayed-until-2022.1lwtaLmpNcQd0z9SnMEyK8.html |url-status=live }}</ref> with constructors instead using their 2020 chassis for two seasons and a token system limiting which parts could be modified introduced.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2 June 2020|title=Six key questions about F1's new token system answered|url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/six-key-questions-about-f1s-new-token-system-answered/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012115931/https://the-race.com/formula-1/six-key-questions-about-f1s-new-token-system-answered/|archive-date=12 October 2020|access-date=20 August 2020|website=The-Race.com}}</ref> The start of the {{F1|2020}} season was delayed by several months,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52883244 |title=Formula 1 season to start with eight races in Europe |first=Andrew |last=Benson |date=2 June 2020 |access-date=9 June 2021 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609183003/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/52883244 |url-status=live }}</ref> and both it and {{F1|2021}} seasons were subject to several postponements, cancellations, and rescheduling of races due to [[Travel during the COVID-19 pandemic|shifting restrictions]] on international travel. Many races took place [[Behind closed doors (sport)|behind closed doors]] and with only essential personnel present to maintain [[social distancing]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/29149401/f1-closed-doors-how-exactly-work |title=F1 behind closed doors – how exactly will that work? |first1=Laurence |last1=Edmondson |first2=Nate |last2=Saunders |date=8 May 2020 |access-date=9 June 2021 |website=[[ESPN]] |archive-date=9 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609183002/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/29149401/f1-closed-doors-how-exactly-work |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2022, the F1 governing body announced a major rule and car design change intended to promote closer racing through the use of [[Ground effect (cars)|ground effects]], new aerodynamics, larger wheels with low-profile tyres, and redesigned nose and wing regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=10 things you need to know about the all-new 2022 F1 car |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-all-new-2022-f1-car.4OLg8DrXyzHzdoGrbqp6ye.html |access-date=9 January 2023 |website=formula1.com |language=en |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525004734/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-all-new-2022-f1-car.4OLg8DrXyzHzdoGrbqp6ye.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=7 key rule changes for the 2022 season |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.7-key-rule-changes-for-the-2022-season.2E7JH9MywymU8xxw6r5yDS.html |access-date=9 January 2023 |website=formula1.com |language=en |archive-date=25 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425005024/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.7-key-rule-changes-for-the-2022-season.2E7JH9MywymU8xxw6r5yDS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Red Bull Racing|Red Bull]] emerged as the dominant force after the rule shakeup. The [[2022 Formula One World Championship|2022]] and [[2023 Formula One World Championship|2023]] Constructors' and Drivers' Championships were won by Red Bull and Verstappen, with multiple races to spare.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parkes |first=Ian |date=9 December 2022 |title=This Formula 1 Season Was All Max Verstappen and Red Bull |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/09/sports/autoracing/f1-max-verstappen-red-bull.html |url-access=registration |access-date=9 January 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109030145/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/09/sports/autoracing/f1-max-verstappen-red-bull.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramaswami |first=Sundaram|title=The F1 records Verstappen and Red Bull broke in 2022 |url=https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403498/ |access-date=9 January 2023 |website=Motorsport.com |date=21 November 2022 |language=en |archive-date=9 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109030143/https://us.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-f1-records-verstappen-and-red-bull-broke-in-2022/10403498/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Parkes |first=Ian |date=13 December 2023 |title=For Red Bull and Max Verstappen, 2023 Was a Dominant Year |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/sports/autoracing/f1-red-bull-max-verstappen-2023.html |url-access=registration |access-date=15 January 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114170342/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/sports/autoracing/f1-red-bull-max-verstappen-2023.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Joseph |first=Samuel |date=9 October 2023 |title=Why Red Bull's RB19 is one of the most dominant F1 cars ever |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/06/sport/red-bull-rb19-f1-motorsport-spt-intl/index.html |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=15 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115131543/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/06/sport/red-bull-rb19-f1-motorsport-spt-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2023 the FIA opened applications for new teams to enter Formula 1 in the then near future.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2 February 2023 |title=FIA starts bid to find up to two new F1 teams as early as 2025 |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/fia-starts-bid-to-find-up-to-two-new-f1-teams-as-early-as-2025/ |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=The-Race.com |language=en |url-status=live |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115184537/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/fia-starts-bid-to-find-up-to-two-new-f1-teams-as-early-as-2025/}}</ref> Of the teams that applied, only [[Andretti Global|Andretti]] were approved by the FIA, with them then being rejected by [[Formula One Management]], though they have launched an appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kisby |first=Cambridge |date=2 October 2023 |title=Which new teams applied to join F1? Andretti's winning bid and those that failed |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/which-new-teams-are-bidding-to-join-f1-from-andretti-to-hitech/ |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=Motor Sport Magazine |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 January 2024 |title=F1 rejects Andretti bid to join by 2026 but door left open for 2028 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/68158107 |access-date=24 April 2024 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |last=Benson |first=Andrew |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117031948/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/68158107 |archive-date=17 January 2025}}</ref>

In early 2024, the Formula One landscape underwent a significant change in the sphere of team sponsorships and collaborations. Having competed for five seasons under the [[Alfa Romeo in Formula One|Alfa Romeo]] name, Sauber introduced a title partnership with the online casino [[Stake.com]], resulting in the team's new identity as [[Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber]]. Sauber will hold Stake's sponsorship name until the end of 2025, after which it will become the Audi works team for the 2026 season onwards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Drake launches Sauber's new era as they unveil rebrand |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.drake-sauber-stake-f1-team-identity-rebrand-name.5pFuGt23QzaUwBZ7flxhhw.html |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=formula1.com |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222113052/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.drake-sauber-stake-f1-team-identity-rebrand-name.5pFuGt23QzaUwBZ7flxhhw.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Luke |title=New name, new goals: Stake bids to stop its F1 slide |url=https://theathletic.com/5254751/2024/02/06/stake-f1-alfa-romeo-car-launch/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=The Athletic |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214133637/https://theathletic.com/5254751/2024/02/06/stake-f1-alfa-romeo-car-launch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Scuderia AlphaTauri]], Red Bull's junior team, dropped its name and took on sponsors from Hugo Boss and Cash App, becoming [[Visa Inc.|Visa]] [[Cash App]] RB, or VCARB for 2024. Also in 2024, Formula One announced partnerships with [[Mattel]] to release [[Hot Wheels]] die-cast cars,<ref>{{cite web |title=Formula 1 announces new multi-year partnership with Hot Wheels |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/formula-1-announces-new-multi-year-partnership-with-hot-wheels.7yBhBlS17Bmt8hxLfVxqE2 |date=9 October 2024 |website=Formula1.com |url-status=live |archive-date=28 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250128174631/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/formula-1-announces-new-multi-year-partnership-with-hot-wheels.7yBhBlS17Bmt8hxLfVxqE2}}</ref> and with [[Lego]], with the first new sets releasing in 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lego.com/en-us/aboutus/news/2024/september/lego-f1-partnership-announcement?locale=en-us&consent-modal=show&age-gate=grown_up|title=We're Putting Play in Pole Position! The LEGO Group and Formula 1® To Go Full Throttle On New Brand Partnership|author=The Lego Group|date=18 September 2024|website=Lego.com|publisher=Lego|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> Previously, Lego sets based on Formula One cars had been released in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/news/new-mclaren-mp4-4-ayrton-senna-lego-set-is-the-coolest-weve-seen-in-a-while|title=New McLaren MP4/4 Ayrton Senna Lego Set Is the Coolest We've Seen in a While |last=Perez |first=Jerry |website=TheDrive|date=1 February 2024|publisher=Lego|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>

The regulations governing Formula One are set to be revised for the 2026 season, with big changes planned to help encourage closer and more competitive racing.<ref>{{cite web |title=7 things you need to know about the 2026 F1 engine regulations {{!}} Formula 1® |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/more-efficient-less-fuel-and-carbon-net-zero-7-things-you-need-to-know-about.ZhtzvU3cPCv8QO7jtFxQR |website=formula1.com |access-date=3 April 2024 |language=en |archive-date=3 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403102337/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/more-efficient-less-fuel-and-carbon-net-zero-7-things-you-need-to-know-about.ZhtzvU3cPCv8QO7jtFxQR |url-status=live }}</ref> 
Changes include: 
*Move to fully sustainable fuels,
*Reduction in width and length for closer racing
*new Front and Rear wing regulations
*Electric Motor
*MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) power increased from 120&nbsp;kW to 350&nbsp;kW
*More stringent safety requirements
*Tighter budget caps

In November 2024, [[General Motors]] reached an agreement to enter Formula 1 in 2026 with its [[Cadillac]] brand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 November 2024 |title=General Motors agrees deal to enter F1 in 2026 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cy8nzlwpn83o |access-date=25 November 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |last=Benson |first=Andrew |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250121201853/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cy8nzlwpn83o |archive-date=21 January 2025}}</ref>