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Formula 1 Racing

What is F1?

Formula One, also known as F1, is known as the pinnacle of motorsport and features the fastest and most technologically advanced cars in the world. They are open-wheel, single-seater machines constructed to race. Each car is made up of thousands of parts and are powered by a V6 turbocharged engine that includes a kinetic and thermal energy recovery system. These cars are driven in races, that are called Grand Prix's, many times during the months of March through November. These races take place all over the world, and are chances for the drivers to earn points for their team, and themselves. The team with the most points at the end of the F1 season is deemed champion and wins the World Constructor's Championship. Winning the championship comes with many benefits and incentives. The higher up on the leaderboard, the more prize money you receive, with the champion making the most. This pot is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, sometimes billions, which allow teams to upgrade and put out a faster car for the following season.

History

Motor racing started in France around 1884, quickly evolving from simple races from one village to another to more complex events. In 1900, an event that proved crucial in the racing world was held by the American publisher James Gordon Bennett Jr. He created an international motor race in Europe that would give birth to the field called motorsports. The race was called the Gordon Bennett Cup and it was an annual race that attracted competitors from all over the world. In 1906, the first race titled Grand Prix was created by the Automobile Club of France (CAF) and was a two day event in June. The circuit was located in Le Mans, France and was about 65 miles long with 32 racers representing 12 different automakers. In 1924 the Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus (AIACR) was created, who unofficially regulated the grand prix's. The first World Championship was held in 1925, and consisted of only four races: the Indianapolis 500, the Grands Prix of Europe, France, and Italy. However, It wasn't until the 1933 Monaco Grand Prix where the start order was decided by qualifying times.

first f1 world championship car

Following the Second World War, the rules for the World Championship were already set in stone, but it wasn't until 1947 that the AIACR was reorganised and renamed the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). In 1950 races would combine to create a Grand Prix World Championship for Formula One drivers. A scoring system was made and seven races were deemed suitable to be included. The first World Championship race took place on May 13, 1950, at Silverstone located in the UK. As the sport has evolved, many technical advancements have been adopted in areas like aerodynamics, car design, engines, and better safety measures, as well as the changes in number of grand prix's and locations make up the current state of Formula One.

The Grid

teams on grid

There are ten teams and twenty seats for drivers in F1. Each team has two cars and two drivers within every grand prix of the season, which give them multiple chances to earn points for the Constructors Championship. However, the drivers operating these cars also have their own championship to worry about called the World Driver's Championship. The Drivers Championship is also based on the points system. This allows for every race to be an individual effort just as much as it is a team one. This is very important for drivers because if a driver's contract is winding down, the standings show if he is worthy enough for a new contract and seat in F1.

Teams and Drivers