If you’re a complete beginner to Formula 1 but happen to find yourself attending an upcoming race, lucky you! Whether you’re attending the event for a music act or just new to the sport in general, we’ve compiled a summary of the sport containing the most essential knowledge you should have to make the most out of an F1 weekend as a complete beginner.
What is F1?
Formula 1 is a highly competitive sport with multiple championships at stake. It’s important to understand what drivers and teams are competing for:
Driver’s Championship
The ultimate prize in Formula 1 is the Driver’s Championship. Throughout the season, drivers accumulate points based on their finishing positions in each race. The driver with the highest number of points at the end of the season is crowned the World Champion. This championship recognizes the individual skill and performance of the drivers.
Constructor’s Championship
In addition to the Driver’s Championship, teams also compete for the Constructor’s Championship. This championship considers the combined performance of both drivers from the same team. The team that accumulates the highest number of points based on their drivers’ finishes is awarded the Constructor’s Championship. It recognizes the collective effort of the team, including car design, engineering, and overall performance.
2023 Drivers & Teams
Formula 1 attracts some of the best drivers and teams in the world, each competing for the coveted title for each championship. The 2023 season showcases a talented roster of drivers, including seasoned champions and promising newcomers. Familiarising yourself with the drivers and teams will enhance your overall understanding and enjoyment of the sport. Get to know the key teams and drivers who will ignite the track:
- Mercedes:
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Red Bull:
- Max Verstappen
- Sergio Perez
- Ferrari:
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz Jr.
- McLaren:
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Aston Martin:
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Alpine:
- Esteban Ocon
- Pierre Gasly
- Alfa Romeo:
- Valterri Bottas
- Guanyu Zhou
- Haas:
- Kevin Magnussen
- Nico Hulkenberg
- AlphaTauri:
- Yuki Tsunoda
- Nyck DeVries
- Williams:
- Alex Albon
- Logan Sargeant
Race Weekend Formats
In recent years, Formula 1 has introduced new race weekend formats to add more excitement for fans. Two formats commonly seen in 2024 are Standard Weekends and Sprint Weekends.
Standard Weekends
The traditional format consists of practice sessions on Friday, followed by qualifying on Saturday to determine the starting positions for the race on Sunday. This format allows ample time for teams to fine-tune their cars and drivers to familiarise themselves with the circuit with the three practice sessions. During qualifying, drivers aim to set the fastest lap time to secure the best starting position on the grid for the race on Sunday.
Sprint Weekends
Sprint weekends are an exciting addition to the F1 calendar. In this format, a shorter race is held on Saturday to determine the grid positions for the main race on Sunday. The sprint race is intense and condensed, often resulting in close battles and unpredictable outcomes. It adds an extra element of competition and strategy to the race weekend.
Basic F1 Race Rules
Understanding the basic rules of F1 will help you follow the action on the track more effectively. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
Start and Finish
Races begin with a standing start, where all cars line up on the grid. When the lights go out, it signals the start, and drivers compete to complete a predetermined number of laps or cover a specific distance. The first driver to cross the finish line after completing all the laps is the winner.
Overtaking
Overtaking is a thrilling aspect of F1. Drivers can pass each other by outmanoeuvring, braking later, or taking advantage of DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones. However, they must adhere to specific rules and regulations to ensure fair play and safety.
Penalties
Penalties are given for various infractions, such as exceeding track limits, causing collisions, or impeding other drivers. Penalties can range from time penalties to grid position penalties in subsequent races.
Flags
During F1 races, flags are used by marshals on the trackside to communicate any dangerous conditions or debris on the track. Here’s a summary of a few important flags you should know about:
Green Flag: The green flag indicates the start or resumption of a session or race. It is waved when the track is clear and conditions are safe for racing.
Yellow Flag (Single Waved): A single waved yellow flag is shown to indicate a hazard or danger ahead. Drivers must slow down, be prepared to stop, and be cautious while passing the area. Overtaking is generally not allowed under a waved yellow flag.
Yellow Flag (Double Waved): A double waved yellow flag signifies a more significant hazard or danger on the track. Drivers must slow down significantly, be prepared to stop, and exercise extreme caution. No overtaking is allowed under a double waved yellow flag.
Red Flag: A red flag is displayed to halt a session or race due to a serious incident, dangerous conditions, or a significant hazard on the track. Drivers must immediately stop their cars and proceed to a designated area or the pit lane.
For full details on flags, refer to F1’s guide to Formula 1 Flags.
What Makes F1 Exciting and How to Appreciate the Sport
Formula 1 offers a unique blend of technology, strategy, and human skill that makes it a captivating sport. Here are some factors that contribute to the excitement of F1:
Speed and Power
F1 cars are the fastest racing machines in the world, capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph. The raw power, acceleration, and precision of these machines are awe-inspiring and create a spectacle like no other.
Strategy and Tactics
Formula 1 is not just about driving fast; it’s a strategic battle as well. Teams carefully plan pit stops, tire choices, and fuel strategies to maximise their chances of victory.
Support your Favourite Drivers with Merch
At PricklyPins, we’ve got a range of F1 enamel pins for you to sport on your hat, bags, shirts…wherever you like, to show your support for your favourite driver! Get them for any F1 Grand Prix around the world as we offer worldwide shipping!