The 1961 season

Ferrari Masters the New 1.5 Liter Formula

Ferrari's 156 dominated the first 1.5 liter season, and Phil Hill became champion at a Monza race where Wolfgang von Trips was killed.

Ferrari read the new rules better than anyone. For 1961 Formula One switched to naturally aspirated engines of 1.5 liters, and roll bars, dual braking systems and an electrical master switch became compulsory. The British teams complained that the change had been announced too late; Ferrari simply built the 156, its first car with the engine behind the driver, and won five of the eight rounds. The Indianapolis 500 left the championship, and a win was now worth nine points.

The calendar

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