F1 The Garagistes

The first major technological developments, Cooper's re-introduction of mid-engined cars occurred in the 1950's.

Australian Jack Brabham, World Champion in 1959, 1960 and 1966, soon proved the new design's superiority. By 1961, all regular competitors had switched to mid-engined cars.

Between Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, Graham Hill and Denny Hulme, British teams and Commonwealth drivers won twelve world championships between 1962 and 1973

In 1962, Lotus introduced a car with an aluminum sheet monocoque chassis instead of the traditional space frame design.

In 1968, Lotus painted Imperial Tobacco livery on their cars, thus introducing sponsorship to the sport

Aerodynamic down force slowly gained importance in car design from the appearance of aerofoils in the late 1960's. In 1970, Lotus introduced ground effects aerodynamics that provided enormous down force.

So great were the aerodynamic forces pressing the cars to the track (up to 5 times the car's weight) extremely stiff springs were needed, leaving the tires to cushion the car and driver for any irregularities in the track surface