Pretty much every single facet of Formula 1 today is unrecognizable compared to the shape of grand prix racing at the start of the championship’s life. The idea of Juan Manuel Fangio and Giuseppe Farina playing social media-friendly parlour games seems incongruous with F1 then but is a key part of F1 now. The core of the championship remains building the best car, racing, and the winner finishing at the front.
As of 2025, McLaren is excelling in F1, while in 1950, Alfa Romeo dominated F1’s inaugural season. Looking back on F1’s progression with a comparison between the current MCL39 and Alfa Romeo’s 158 is insightful. The Alfa Romeo 158, known as the ‘Alfetta,’ was tiny compared to modern F1 cars.
The 158 was relatively heavy and small, complying with the original F1 regulations, while modern F1 cars like the MCL39 are larger and heavier due to technological advancements. The size, weight, and dimensions of F1 cars have significantly evolved in the past 75 years. Comparing the historical Alfa Romeo 158 to McLaren’s MCL39 showcases the advancements in technology and design in Formula 1 over the years.
