Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe
Autosport Plus

F1's first turbo revolution

As part of AUTOSPORT's celebration of Formula 1's original turbo era, EDD STRAW explores how a bold idea from Renault redefined the sport in the 1980s

On March 16, a full grid of turbocharged Formula 1 cars will line up for the first time since the 1986 Australian Grand Prix. Prior to 2014, that was the only season in which F1's rules mandated the use of a turbo engine.

Since the end of 1988, when turbos were outlawed, F1 has been an exclusively atmospheric affair, but memories of the fire-breathing, howling 1.5-litre V6 and straight-four powerplants, capable in some cases of putting out upwards of 1500bhp, that dominated the sport during the turbo era have stuck.

Previous article Don't judge F1 2014 by its looks
Next article Boullier resigns from Lotus, set to become McLaren F1 team boss

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Autosport Plus

Discover premium content
Subscribe