To get you in the mood for the 2012 Australian Grand Prix, TIME takes a look at the history of the racing series.
A Brief History of Formula One
Rolls Press / Popperfoto
Great Britain's Jim Clark, a two time world champion (1963 and 1965), takes the trophy at the American Grand Prix in 1967. The old points system was going to be scrapped in favor of the driver who wins the most GP's taking the championship title. But after the teams accused the International Automobile Federation (FIA) of ignoring the rules by imposing a change without their unanimous agreement, the governing body reverted to the old format.
