History of Formula One Regulations - 1960s: Safety As An Afterthought

1960s: Safety As An Afterthought

See also: 1960 Formula One season, 1961 Formula One season, 1962 Formula One season, 1963 Formula One season, 1964 Formula One season, 1965 Formula One season, 1966 Formula One season, 1967 Formula One season, 1968 Formula One season, and 1969 Formula One season

The swinging sixties began the way the previous decade had ended for Formula One's rule book with relatively few changes made. However with the advent of a new breed of innovative and forward thinking designers like Colin Chapman and the beginnings of drivers lobbying for safer racing conditions, the number of rule changes made began to accelerate as the decade came to a close.

1960

Regulations unchanged from 1959 (maximum engine capacity of 750 cc for a compressed engine or 2500 cc for normally aspirated engines. No weight restrictions).

1961–1965

Engine specs amended to a normally aspirated engine of between 1300 cc and 1500 cc, no compressors allowed, minimum weight set at 450 kg, pump fuel only, automatic starter, roll bar required, double braking system mandatory, standardised seatbelt anchorage, fire protection for fuel tanks, fillers and breathers, FIA begin to organise safety inspections (previously done by local authorities), protective helmet and overalls obligatory, flag signalling code established.

1966–1969

Engine specs amended to a 1500 cc engine with a compressor or a 3000 cc normally aspirated engine allowed, minimum weight set at 500 kg, electrical circuit breaker, reverse gear, oil catch tank, a rollbar 5 cm above driver's head, two-part extinguisher system and cockpit designed for quick evacuation all made mandatory, all aerodynamic features must be immobile (thereby banning air brakes) and fixed to a sprung part of the car, maximum bodywork height and width restrictions ban the use of dangerous high wings, recommendations made on seat harnesses, fire resistant clothing and shatter-proof visors.