In 1946, the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI) of the FIA, the precursor to FISA, established Formula One as the top single-seater racing category in global motorsport, set to take effect in 1947. This new "International Formula" was initially referred to as Formula A, Formula I, or Formula 1, while the corresponding "Voiturette" formula was called Formula B, Formula II, or Formula 2. When the 500cc formula gained international recognition as Formula 3 in 1950, it was never named "Formula C," thus the three International Formulae became officially known as Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3.
Initially, the formula was primarily founded on pre-World War II rules determined by engine size. The regulation aimed to establish a new equilibrium between supercharged and naturally aspirated vehicles. Non-supercharged 4.5-litre pre-war Grand Prix cars were permitted to compete against the pre-war 1.5-litre supercharged 'voiturettes', whereas pre-war supercharged 3-litre Grand Prix cars were prohibited. There is ongoing debate about what qualifies as the first Formula 1 race. The inaugural race under the new regulations was the 1946 Turin Grand Prix on 1 September, won by Achille Varzi in an Alfa Romeo 158 Alfetta, although this occurred before the Formula was officially established. Another candidate is the 1947 Swedish Winter Grand Prix, won by Reg Parnell in an ERA, but since it was held on ice, some argue it wasn't a "proper" race, and there is also uncertainty about whether it was a Formula 1 race or a Formule Libre race. The third contender is the 1947 Pau Grand Prix, won by Nello Pagani in a Maserati 4CL, which is indisputable.
Achille Varzi in an Alfa Romeo 158 Alfetta (1946)
The 1946 Grand Prix season marked the initial post-war year for Grand Prix motor racing. This season was significant for featuring the inaugural race conducted under Formula One standards, the 1946 Turin Grand Prix. There was no official championship in 1946, but Raymond Sommer emerged as the most successful driver, securing victories in five Grands Prix. Maserati's vehicles were challenging to surpass, clinching victories in 9 out of the 20 Grand Prix races of the season.
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