Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, it all starts with the basics. Here’s your ultimate guide to understanding the sport and speaking the F1 lingo with confidence.

What Is Formula 1?
The highest level of single-seater racing, Formula 1 debuted in 1950, with Silverstone hosting the opening race. This adrenaline fuelled motorsport showcases the world’s elite drivers pushing sophisticated high-tech machines to their limits. The Grand Prix races are held worldwide with drivers racing wheel to wheel vying for the Drivers’ Championship and teams fighting for the Constructors’ Championship.

Teams and Drivers
The F1 grid features 10 teams, each with two drivers, making up a total of 20 competitors. Some legendary drivers that have graced the F1 Hall of Fame include Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna, Jackie Stewart and Michael Schumacher, while more recent multiple champions, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen continue to fly the flag for the sport.

Race Calendar and Circuits Each calendar season features 24 races on stunning circuits across five continents. Some of the most iconic tracks such as Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka remain fan favourites, while newer additions like Las Vegas and Miami bring fresh and thrilling challenges to the sport. Classic tracks like Monaco and Monza, have been part of F1 since the very first season and are deeply embedded in the sport’s history.

F1 Weekend Format
An F1 weekend takes place over three days. Friday is dedicated to two practice sessions, giving teams time to fine-tune their cars. Saturday features a final practice session before Qualifying, a knockout format that decides the starting grid. Sunday is race day, where drivers battle for points, podium finishes and victory in the Grand Prix.
Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers in each Grand Prix. Most races last between 90 minutes and two hours, covering just over 305km. Monaco is the exception, running at 260km due to its tight layout. Safety cars and red flags can extend the duration.

Sprint Races
Relatively new to F1, the Sprint was introduced in 2021 to spice up the action. Only six strategically chosen circuits host the Sprint – a shorter 100km race that lasts about 30 minutes. A flat-out action-packed event, it’s a dynamic race from start to finish with no mandatory pit stops and great overtaking potential. The Sprint weekend replaces two practice sessions – Friday sees the Sprint Qualifying session and the actual Sprint is held on Saturday. Points are offered from eight down to one (first place scores eight points and eighth place scores one) for the first eight cars to finish.

How F1 Cars Work
F1 cars are complex machines built from thousands of parts, including intricate bodywork, suspension elements, 18-inch tyres and eight-speed paddle shift gearboxes. Acting like an upside-down aircraft, their wings push them down onto the track, giving them incredible levels of grip.
Current regulations are based around aerodynamic ‘ground effects’ with tunnels beneath the floor generating extra downforce, while streamlined bodywork reduces disrupted airflow, allowing cars to follow more closely. This results in better racing, more overtaking opportunities and a more competitive spectacle.
F1 cars use turbocharged V6 hybrid engines with energy recovery systems. They currently run on E10 fuel (10% renewable ethanol), with plans for fully sustainable fuel in 2026.
With constant innovation, F1 cars continue to evolve to push the limits of motorsport performance.✤