It evolved from the earlier Formula 1 Constructors Association (F1CA; the name was changed due to unfortunate connotations in some languages) and came to be dominated by Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosley (originally a co-founder of March Engineering).

Frank Williams, Colin Chapman, Teddy Mayer, Ken Tyrrell were also significant members.

Ecclestone became the organisation's chief executive in 1978, with Mosley taking on the role of legal advisor.

The eventual resolution of this conflict saw Ecclestone take a more significant role in the running of the sport with the formation of FOA (Formula One Administration).

Four FOCA-aligned teams – Tyrrell, Osella, ATS and Toleman – broke their stated boycott and started the race anyway.