Engines of Power: Formula 1's FISA vs FOCA Conflict Part 1 (1964-1977)

Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys

Mar 18, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 4

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Episode description

Many of the defining characteristics of modern Formula 1 — two-car teams, limits on who can enter the sport, big-money broadcasting deals, and so much more — are the direct result of a decades-long battle between the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA, which represented the teams) and the Federation du Sport Automobile (FISA, a subsidiary of the FIA).

Fans have likely heard of the FISA/FOCA war, but truly understanding how it impacted the sport of Formula 1 isn't easy when there were so many little battles taking place from 1964 through to 1987. In this special two-part feature on “Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys,” we're going to uncover everything there is to know about the FISA/FOCA war — and in this section, we'll dig into the origins of FOCA and its grievances with F1’s lack of professionalization.

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