F1: Force India, and the Rise of the ‘National Team’

Long ago, Formula One teams raced in their national colours.  The Ferraris and Alfa Romeos were Italian red, the BRMs and Vanwalls British racing green, and the Mercedes and Auto Unions German silver. They were teams which carried the hopes of nations, which the population could get behind and easily recognise as one of their own. The sponsorship era mostly ended the custom of cars painted in national colours, and over time the idea of a team the whole country would support faded away with few exceptions. The nationality of the team meant little unless the team entered red cars.  Few fans truly cared that Sauber were Swiss, Williams were British, and Jordan were Irish. Until just recently, that is.  Entrants now carry the fla...

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