Maybe you've caught the Formula 1 bug because you watched Netflix's fascinating behind-the-scenes docuseries, Formula 1: Drive to Survive. Or maybe you're curious to learn more about the sport because you stumbled on it or have a Formula 1 fan in your life. Either way, if you're new to the sport, welcome to the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1 Grand Prix racing!
Why do people love Formula 1? Well, quite simply, it's an exhilarating ride at high-speed using cutting-edge technology, strategic brilliance, with heart-pounding action. In this guide, we'll walk you through and give you and understanding of the basics of Formula 1, from the rules of the track to the stars behind the wheel.
Understanding Formula 1 Basics
Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, featuring the fastest cars and most skilled drivers in the world. Races take place on purpose-built circuits around the globe, each with its own unique challenges and characteristics. There are currently 24 races in each Formula 1 season, spanning most of the calendar year with a 3-week summer break and the last race well before Christmas.
The Structure of a Formula 1 Race Weekend
Practice Sessions:
Friday Practice: The race weekend typically kicks off with two free practice sessions (FP1, FP2) on Friday. These sessions allow teams and drivers to familiarise themselves with the track, test setup configurations, and gather data on tire performance and fuel consumption.
Saturday Practice: A third free practice session (FP3) takes place on Saturday, providing teams with one final opportunity to fine-tune their cars and strategies ahead of qualifying and the race.
Qualifying:
Saturday Qualifying: Following the final practice session, drivers participate in a knockout-style qualifying session to determine the starting grid for the race. Qualifying consists of three segments (Q1, Q2, and Q3), with the slowest drivers eliminated after each segment until the fastest ten drivers compete for pole position in Q3.
Sprint Races:
Sprint Race: In some race weekends, Formula 1 introduces a sprint format which has drivers competing in two races in one weekend. This involves a shorter race on Saturday with its qualifier held on Friday replacing FP2, and the sprint race replacing FP3. Sprint races have no pit stops, typically last around 100 kilometers and offer bonus points to the top eight finishers.
Race Day:
Sunday Race: The main event of the weekend, the race itself, takes place on Sunday. Drivers compete in a grueling battle for position over a set number of laps, with pit stops and strategy calls playing a crucial role in determining the outcome.
Key Rules to Know about Race Day
Tyre Changes: Formula 1 cars use multiple sets of tires during a race, each optimized for different track conditions. Teams must manage their tire usage carefully, balancing performance with durability. Each race weekend, Pirelli selects three compounds from its range for teams to use which typically include soft, medium, or hard compound tyres. Compounds are a trade-off between better grip (soft tyres) and better durability (hard tyres). Teams must use at least two different compounds during the race, with the exception of wet weather races where wet and intermediate tyres may be used instead.
Pit Stops: During a race, teams can bring their cars into the pits to change tires, make adjustments, and refuel if necessary. Pit stops are a crucial element of race strategy, with teams aiming to minimise time spent in the pits while maximising performance on the track.
DRS (Drag Reduction System): DRS is a driver-controlled system that reduces aerodynamic drag on straightaways, increasing straight-line speed and facilitating overtaking. Drivers can activate DRS when they are within one second of the car ahead in designated zones on the track.
Safety Car: In the event of an accident or hazardous conditions on the track, the Safety Car may be deployed to slow down the pace of the race and ensure the safety of drivers and marshals. This is often an opportune moment to make a pit stop without losing as much relative lap time and therefore position since all drivers have to drive a lot slower.
Red Flag: If conditions on the track become too dangerous to continue racing, the race may be stopped with a red flag. In such cases, cars must stop on the track in a safe manner until the race can be resumed or concluded.
Scoring Points
In Formula 1, both drivers and manufacturers compete for championship points. Points are awarded to the top ten finishers in each race, with the winner receiving 25 points, the second-place finisher receiving 18 points, with 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1 point for positions 3 to 10. Additionally, bonus points are awarded for the fastest lap of the race, for finishing in the top three during qualifying sessions, and for finishing in the top eight in a sprint race.
Meet the Teams and Drivers of 2024
1. Mercedes
- Lewis Hamilton (United Kingdom)
- George Russell (United Kingdom)
2. Red Bull Racing
- Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
- Sergio Perez (Mexico)
3. Ferrari
- Charles Leclerc (Monaco)
- Carlos Sainz Jr. (Spain)
4. McLaren
- Lando Norris (United Kingdom)
- Oscar Piastri (Australia)
5. Aston Martin
- Fernando Alonso (Spain)
- Lance Stroll (Canada)
6. Alpine
- Pierre Gasly (France)
- Esteban Ocon (France)
7. Kick Sauber
- Valtteri Bottas (Finland)
- Zhou Guanyu (China)
8. RB
- Daniel Ricciardo (Australia)
- Yuki Tsunoda (Japan)
9. Haas
- Nico Hulkenberg (Germany)
- Kevin Magnussen (Denmark)
10. Williams Racing
- Alexander Albon (Thailand)
- Logan Sargeant (Canada)
Want to see these drivers in action?
Enter our prize draw launching soon in 2024 for a chance to win F1 tickets for a fraction of the cost. Why not sign up to our waitlist to get to the front of the queue to enter our F1 Grand Prix ticket prize draw*? One lucky winner will get two premium hospitality tickets to a European F1 GP including flights and accommodation and get a spectacular view of the wheel-to-wheel battles.
You can also find out more about when Formula 1 tickets go on sale and the average price for each circuit.
As you delve into the world of Formula 1, keep an eye out for these teams and drivers as they battle it out for supremacy on the track. Whether you're drawn to the speed, the strategy, or the sheer spectacle of it all, Formula 1 promises an unforgettable experience for fans old and new alike. Strap in and enjoy the ride!
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