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.
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