Formula 1 (F1) is the most prestigious international automobile competition. The term “Formula” represents a set of competition rules, while the number “1” indicates that it is the main championship
Formula is considered a team sport. In addition to the driver, there are 20 other professionals who work at the pit stop, carrying out car maintenance, such as changing tires, in a few seconds.
The competition is contested by 10 teams and 20 drivers from around the world, with each team entering two cars. Drivers compete for the F1 Drivers’ Championship, while teams fight for the F1 Teams’ Championship
The F1 calendar includes 24 races, called Grand Prix, held in 21 countries. The championship combines classic circuits such as Monaco with recent additions such as Las Vegas. In Brazil, it takes place in São Paulo
A standard F1 weekend takes place over three days. On Friday, there are two 60-minute Free Practice sessions (FP1 and FP2), which teams use to prepare for the race
Saturday begins with the final training session (FP3). Soon after, the riders participate in a session called Qualifying, which is divided into three stages. This session decides the starting grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix
Qualification Phases
Q2 Lasts 15 minutes. The five slowest drivers are eliminated. Defines positions 15 to 11 on the grid
Q3 Lasts 12 minutes. Decide the first 10 positions on the grid and the fastest driver wins pole position
Q1 Lasts 18 minutes. The five slowest drivers are eliminated. Defines positions 20 to 16 on the grid
On Sunday the Grand Prix takes place, a race in which drivers battle to score points, secure a place on the podium and win the race. F1 races usually last between an hour and a half to two hours
The distance of each Grand Prix is determined by the fewest laps exceeding 305 kilometers. The Monaco GP is an exception to the rule, with the race distance exceeding 260 km
There are also events designated as F1 Sprint weekends. The Sprint is a short race that covers 100 km (about a third of the GP distance) and lasts approximately 30 minutes and has no mandatory pit stop.
F1’s constantly evolving set of rules is overseen by the FIA (Federation Internationale d’Automobile), which is the sport’s governing body.
Glossary
Pit Stop: pause during the race to maintain the car; lasts less than 10 seconds
Paddock: area behind the pits where the teams and drivers are located
Cockpit: place in the car where the pilot is
Grid: line of drivers at the start of the race
Pole Position: first position on the grid
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