When you think of F1 race cars you don’t often think of the intricacies that go into their design and creation. How millions of tiny parts are expertly arranged into a ballet of mechanics for the sole purpose of going fast. Because, when you think about F1 cars, you think about the powerful engines — F1 cars are, after all, basically seats on top of rockets with four wheels jutting out from them.

Structurally speaking, the chassis of F1 cars have evolved quite a bit from 1950-2012 as examined by Rufus Blacklock at Biplane Blues. [via coolmaterial]