If you want to get
really pedantic (which I think is what we're all doing here
) then you could argue Formula 1 didn't really exist until 1950. The non-championship events from 46-49 were using the agreed-upon regulations, but it never had a set name. Formula 1, Formula A, etc. It was only when Formula 3 came along in 1950 that F1 and F2 got their set names.
I don't think it's wrong to say F1 started in 1950. It's pretty obvious what is meant.
And it was certainly part of the F1 World Championship. Whether drivers scored a point or not doesn't matter -
https://www.formula1.com/en/results....ce-result.html