The European Championship existed as a predecessor to the Formula One World Championship and was held between 1931 and 1939. The first champion was Ferdinando Minoia, with Rudolf Caracciola winning three titles. The championship was discontinued because of the outbreak of World War II in 1939, and no champion was officially declared for the last season. From 1936, the German drivers, including Caracciola, drove under the Nazi flag.
Future Formula One drivers who competed in this series included Louis Chiron, Hermann Lang, Philippe Étancelin and Giuseppe Farina.
Championship history[]
| Season | Champion Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1931 |  Ferdinando Minoia
|
Alfa Romeo |
| 1932 | Tazio Nuvolari
|
Alfa Romeo |
| 1935 |  Rudolf Caracciola
|
Mercedes |
| 1936 | Bernd Rosemeyer
|
Auto Union |
| 1937 | Rudolf Caracciola
|
Mercedes |
| 1938 | Rudolf Caracciola
|
Mercedes |
| 1939 | Title not awarded due to outbreak of World War II. | |