The genesis of Formula 1 on this day in 1950

It all started on May 13, 1950 at Silverstone Circuit, where Alfa Romeo's Giuseppe Farina wrote the very first chapter of Formula 1's incredible and rich 72-year history.

An estimated 120,000 people, including the King of the United Kingdom George VI, looked on as the Grand Prix of Europe got underway and F1 roared into life.

Farina launched his race from pole and led at the end of the day an Alfa Romeo top-3 clean sweep, with team mates Luigi Fagioli and Reg Parnell completing the podium.

Juan-Manuel Fangio, also driving for Alfa Romeo, was in the running early on but was put out of the race with engine troubles.

A total of 21 cars took part in Formula 1's inaugural championship round. And six races later, Farina became Grand Prix racing's first world champion.