Formula One 101: Everything You Need To Know

Formula One isn’t just a motorsport - it’s a global phenomenon. With high-stakes drama, mind-bending speed, and cutting-edge engineering, F1 has grown into one of the most thrilling spectacles in sport. But if you’re new to the grid, then the rules, teams, and structure can seem a bit overwhelming.

Here’s your no-fuss guide to understanding Formula One, whether you’re gearing up for your first Grand Prix or just want to know what all the fuss is about.

What is Formula One?

Formula One (or F1) is the pinnacle of open-wheel, single-seater racing. Governed by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), it features ten elite teams battling it out across a season that spans the globe - from Monaco’s historic street circuit to the high-speed straights of Monza.

F1 traces its roots back to 1950, when the first official World Championship season kicked off. Since then, it’s grown into a multi-billion-pound industry with millions of fans around the world. Along the way, it’s created legends - think Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton - and iconic teams like Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing.

Key Rules and Regulations

At its core, F1 is about speed, strategy, and staying within some very strict rules (or finding ways around them).
Each race features 20 drivers - two per team. Points are awarded based on finishing positions, and the driver and team with the most points at the end of the season take the championship titles.

Here are the basics:

● Qualifying: This sets the starting grid for the race. It happens the day before the race and is split into three timed sessions.

● Race Distance: Typically around 305km, lasting about 90 minutes to two hours.

● Tyres: Drivers must use at least two different types of dry-weather tyres, meaning pit stops for tyre changes are mandatory unless it rains.

● Pit Stops: Strategy gold. Teams change all four tyres in under three seconds and use pit stops to gain or lose time.

● Penalties: For unsafe driving, speeding in the pit lane, or technical infringements, drivers can receive time penalties, grid drops, or disqualifications.

● Sprints: Shortened races held occasionally throughout the season, these last around an hour.

The cars also operate under a strict set of technical regulations - covering everything from power unit (the engine) specs to weight and aerodynamic design. These rules are constantly evolving to make the sport safer, more competitive, and more sustainable.

The Cars, the Teams, and the Drivers

F1 cars are among the fastest and most advanced machines on earth. They’re lightweight, carbon fibre beasts powered by 1.6-litre hybrid turbo engines capable of speeds over 220mph. Every component is finely tuned for performance, downforce, and precision.

There are ten teams in the sport, each fielding two drivers. Some of the major players include:

● Ferrari: The oldest and arguably most iconic team in F1.

● Mercedes: Dominated the 2010s with Lewis Hamilton at the wheel.

● Red Bull Racing: Known for aggressive strategy and raw speed.

● McLaren and Aston Martin: Big names with deep roots in motorsport history.

Drivers are global stars in their own right. From the reigning champion Max Verstappen to young talents like Oscar Piastri, F1 is as much about personalities as it is about performance. They’re in the global spotlight and they’re not just known for their driving – their relationships, style, lifestyle and much more is under the watch of their fans and the media more than ever before!

The Race Weekend Format

A typical Grand Prix weekend spans three days and follows a set structure:

Friday: Two practice sessions give teams a chance to test car setup, tyres, and track conditions.
Saturday: A final practice session is followed by qualifying, which determines the race’s starting order. It’s a knockout format - fastest drivers move on, slowest are eliminated.
Sunday: Race day. 20 cars line up on the grid, and when the lights go out, it’s all about speed, strategy, and survival.

The season runs from March to December, with races held in countries around the world. The calendar includes classics like the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the glamour round the iconic streets of Monaco, and newer additions like the all-singing all-dancing extravaganza in Miami and Las Vegas.

The Final Lap

Formula One is more than just cars going round in circles. It’s a blend of elite engineering, razor-sharp strategy, and world-class athletes pushing the limits. Once you get your head around the basics - like the rules, race format, and who’s who on the grid - it’s easy to see why millions of fans are hooked. The smell, the noise and the atmosphere are what makes it so adorned by fans, and what hooks newbies to the sport.

So, whether you’re tuning in for the first time or brushing up ahead of your next VIP raceday experience, you’re now equipped with the essentials. And who knows - you might just find yourself planning a trip to a Grand Prix event next season!

Explore our range of VIP experiences at the iconic and world-renowned British Grand Prix at Silverstone here.