When it was announced in 1958 that the capacity limit for Formula One would change from 2.5 liters to 1.5 liters for the 1961 season, many constructors thought the changes would never be implemented and that the “lack of power” from smaller engines would not be popular. The British constructors particularly stuck their heads in the sand and thought the problem would go away. They even went so far as to support an alternative Intercontinental Formula for larger engines.
Stirling Moss has just taken the lead from Ginther, during the 1961 Monaco Grand Prix. The body panels were removed for the race to aid cooling, though the chassis had also just been repaired prior to the start. Photo: Ed McDonough Collection
Ferrari and Porsche, however, were actively involved in Formula 2 and had 1.5-liter engines that they could adapt and develop for the new Grand Prix formula. Much of 1960 was spent, especially by Ferrari, in trying the smaller engine in the then-current F1 chassis, followed by development of an all-new, rear-engine car. This car showed up at Monaco in 1960 with the 2.5-Dino engine and was very impressive. Throughout the season, it was improved in a number of F2 races. It had, of course, been a huge move by Ferrari to go to a rear- or centrally mounted engine. In spite of Cooper’s success with their cars in the 1959–60 Grand Prix season, even they were not ready to compete when both the new Ferrari and Porsche appeared in 1961.
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