Nowadays

Electronics and security

1980s

The advent of spectator sport

1970s

The crazy years

1960s

The era of changes

1950s

The rise of F1

Racing Legends

By presenting “Racing Legends”, REUGE pays tribute to eight decades of Formula 1 and the dazzling innovations that have marked this discipline since 1950. The brand selected five of the most iconic F1 cars over time and placed them next to each other on the starting line, like an anachronistic race of legends that every F1 lover would dream of.

Discover product

Racing Legends

By presenting “Racing Legends”, REUGE pays tribute to eight decades of Formula 1 and the dazzling innovations that have marked this discipline since 1950. The brand selected five of the most iconic F1 cars over time and placed them next to each other on the starting line, like an anachronistic race of legends that every F1 lover would dream of.

Discover product

Nowadays

Electronics and security

1980s

The advent of spectator sport

1970s

The crazy years

1960s

The era of changes

1950s

The rise of F1

Nowadays

Electronics and security

1980s

The advent of spectator sport

1970s

The crazy years

1960s

The era of changes

1950s

The rise of F1

1950s

The rise of F1

The year 1950 marks the official debut of the Formula 1 World Championship. On May 13th 1950, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth attend the Grand Prix of Great Britain in Silverstone.

At this period, Italian constructors reign supreme in the world of F 1. Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Maserati are without equal in the automotive world. The Italian Giuseppe Farina wins the 1st championship title in 1950, followed by the Argentinean Juan Manuel Fangio, who wins 5 world championship titles in a row between 1951 and 1957.

At this time, it takes stamina and endurance to win a Grand Prix. The races are almost 500 km long and they are more about survival skills than speed.

Anecdote

In 1950, at the beginning of the world championship, the helmet is optional. Many pilots prefer to wear linen headgear.

Key Characters
Juan Manuel Fangio
Alberto Ascari
Giuseppe Farina
Dominant Stables
Ferrari
Alpha Romeo
Maserati
Number of Grand Prix
7
Average length
4m
Average weight
600kg - 700kg
Power
300hp
Maximal speed
290km/h

Main innovation: In 1958, the Cooper Car Company reveals a car with a rear engine. This world first revolutionizes the way cars are built forever.

Key Characters
Jim Clark
Jack Brabham
Graham Hill
Dominant Stables
Lotus
Ferrari
Brabham
Number of Grand Prix
10
Average length
3,5m
Average weight
450kg
Power
200hp
Maximal speed
250km/h

Main innovation: Lotus, the dominant team of the decade, raises the technical standards of F1 with its new monocoque chassis, lighter and stronger than before.

1960s

The era of changes

At the beginning of the 60s, the FIA decides to reduce the power of the engines, the single-seaters being considered too fast. In 1961 the engines are downsized to 1.5 liters.

These new rules incite the racing teams to be even more ingenious and creative. A period of relentless experimentation begins. Cars evolve greatly during the racing season. In fact, a car at the end of the season is often quite different from its version a few months prior.

The Italians may have dominated F1 in the 50s but the English definitely took over in the 60s. Team Lotus is the dominant team of the decade. Lotus makes the most of the new rear engine and develops a high-performance chassis (stronger and lighter).

Although the engines are less powerful in the early 60's, accidents are still a bitter reality on the circuit. Faced with the inefficiency of small engines in terms of safety, the FIA decides to return to more power. In 1966 the 3 liter engines are back in play.

Anecdote

The Englishman John Surtees wins the championship in 1964. He is the only man to this day, to have won a world championship on two and four wheels (he holds 7 motorcycle world championship titles).

1970s

The crazy years

The 1970s are exhilarating years for F1. Engines become more reliable and manufacturers concentrate on other technical aspects. With the advent of ailerons at the very end of the 1960s, the following years are marked by the development of aerodynamics. This period gave rise to some very unusual designs, such as the Tyrell P34 with its 6 wheels or the Brabham BT46B, also known as the “fan car”.

The 1970s also stand out for the increasing development of sponsors in the world of F1. Some cars like the Lotus even abandon their traditional colors to adopt the colors of their sponsors. Branded hospitality tents start popping up at the back of the racecourse. This is made possible by more lenient rules.

Anecdote

With a 14-second lead going into the final lap of the 1970 British GP, Jack Brabham thought he had won. Sadly, his engine ran out of fuel on the last lap. He still had enough momentum to cross the finish line but ended up on the second step of the podium.

Key Characters
Nikki Lauda
Emerson Fittipaldi
Jackie Stewart
Dominant Stables
Lotus
Ferrari
Number of Grand Prix
13
Average length
4 - 4,5m
Average weight
600kg
Power
500hp
Maximal speed
300km/h

Main innovation: Aerodynamics is at the heart of innovations in the 1970s. Ailerons are introduced at the end of the 1960s, but the 1970s develop this invention further thanks to discoveries on ground effect. The car’s entire bodywork becomes an aileron.

Key Characters
Ayrton Senna
Alain Prost
Nelson Piquet
Dominant Stables
McLaren
Williams
Number of Grand Prix
14
Average length
4 - 4,5m
Average weight
500 - 550kg
Power
900hp
Maximal speed
340km/h

Main innovation: In 1977, Renault used a turbo engine for the first time. Although this technology was considered impractical and complex (even mocked) by competitors in 1977, it quickly became coveted and then widespread. In 1981, the supremacy of the turbo was undeniable.

1980s

The advent of spectator sport

Formula 1 is a real craze in the 80s, especially from 1985 onwards. The fascination around it is helped by a growing media coverage.

This gain in popularity is closely linked to the amazing show that this decade offers. The 80's is the story of a double rivalry : a rivalry between constructors (Williams vs McLaren ) but also between two pilots, who became superstars, the French Alain Prost and the Brazilian Ayrton Senna.

The 80's also stands out for its overpowered engines, thanks in particular to the introduction of the turbo. Pilots need to adapt constantly between engines with maximum performance, used for the tests, and engines with more limited power, to finish the races.

The 80's are considered by many fans as the most exciting decade in the history of F1.

Anecdote

The McLaren MP4/4 is considered by many to be the most competitive car of all time in F1. With 15 victories, as many pole positions and 25 podiums in only 16 Grand Prix in 1988, it has certainly left its mark.

Nowadays

Electronics and security

Electronics is omnipresent nowadays and cars rely on it for every second. New driving assistance technologies are gradually developed, such as ABS (anti-lock braking system), ASR (anti-skidding system) and ESP (electronic stability program for more stability in curves).

These technologies also aim to improve the pilots’ safety. The halo, introduced in 2018 is another important safety feature. Much criticized at the onset, the halo has shown its effectiveness on several occasions, saving many lives.

The colossal sums invested by certain teams in recent years are also worth noting: up to 500 million dollars per season. Faced with these exorbitant amounts, the FIA put a ceiling into place.

Anecdote

Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya holds the track speed record for driving a Formula 1 car at 372.6 km/h. This record was set during private testing in August 2005 at the Monza track in Italy.

Key Characters
Lewis Hamilton
Max Verstappen
Charles Leclerc
Dominant Stables
Mercedes
Red Bull
Ferrari
Number of Grand Prix
22
Average length
6m
Average weight
750kg
Power
1000hp
Maximal speed
360 km/h

Main innovation: The engines go "green". A change of engine formula occurs in 2014. The 2.4L V8s are replaced by 1.6L V6s, with a real energy recovery system, in line with the worldwide concern of energy conservation.

Racing Legends brings an epic race back to life; the music consecrates the victory. Behind REUGE’s mystical quest for a genuine sonority and a creative motion, lies a desire to transcend an experience.