Starting with the basics What is F1?
First of all F1 stands for Formula One , it is the highest class of single-seat auto racing sanctioned by the Federation Internationale de I'Automobile or as we know it FIA. Basically "formula" refers to set of rules that must be followed by ever participant. F1 had it's inaugural season in 1950.
An F1 season consists of number of races called "Grand Prix" hosted by various countries. Number of races in each season can very but it generally 19-22 races.
What about drivers and teams are there ?
In 2015 we have 20 drivers and 10 teams or constructors. Each team has a maximum of 2 drivers that are allowed to participate in the championship ( they also have test and reserve drivers who sometimes replace one main driver during a practice session) Each driver has a chosen number that he carries on his car/helmet for the full season. All teams and their respective drivers are sponsored by various brands. All teams will have to comply to the rules and regulation set by the FIA.
Now the Racing.
A F1 grand prix generally consists of three practice sessions , two on Friday ( with an exception of Monaco, where it is moved to Thursday) . Third and final practice session on Saturday , followed by Qualifying. Sundays are always Race day ( something i tell my dad almost every Grand prix weekend)
What happens during Qualifying?
Qualifying session determines which driver starts from which position. Qualifying is divided into 3 periods Q1 , Q2 & Q3.( this has been in use since 2006). Currently with 20 drivers Q3 runs for 18 minutes during which the slowest 5 drivers being eliminated , the remaining 15 drivers proceed to Q2 where a further 5 drivers will be eliminated, the remaining 10 drivers go to Q1 to fight for "Pole Position" i.e Position 1 (P1)
The Race.
The race begins with a warm up lap often called "Formation lap" , after which cars assemble on the starting grid according to their qualifying position. Once cars are on the grid a light system above the track indicates the start ( "Lights out and here we go racing")
During the race there are pitstops to change tyres or repair any minimum damage. Different teams and drivers employ different strategies. Over the team radio you may hear an engineer saying "Box Box Box" that's nothing but a way of saying time for a pitstop !
Penalties maybe awarded during the race for breaching rules or for causing collisions.
Penalties can be given for changes in mechanical parts i.e engines , Gearbox etc.Penalties can be carried on to the next race also.
Racing Flags
The Race.
The race begins with a warm up lap often called "Formation lap" , after which cars assemble on the starting grid according to their qualifying position. Once cars are on the grid a light system above the track indicates the start ( "Lights out and here we go racing")
During the race there are pitstops to change tyres or repair any minimum damage. Different teams and drivers employ different strategies. Over the team radio you may hear an engineer saying "Box Box Box" that's nothing but a way of saying time for a pitstop !
Penalties maybe awarded during the race for breaching rules or for causing collisions.
Penalties can be given for changes in mechanical parts i.e engines , Gearbox etc.Penalties can be carried on to the next race also.
Racing Flags
- Yellow Flag - Usually requires a driver to slow down due a hazard on track maybe debris , a stopped car . A single waved yellow flag indicates a hazard on the racing surface whereas a double waved yellow indicates that the racing surface is wholly or partly blocked and that there might marshals on track and prepare to stop if necessary. If an incident risks the safety of the drivers or marshals then the safety car comes out.The race is neutralized , overtaking is not allowed . At end of a safety car period the race restarts with a "Rolling start". Now there is a Virtual Safety Car where all drivers do laps in a set speed limit.
- Red Flag - To indicate that the race has stopped. This can be due to weather conditions or accidents . The race restarts with the drivers in their respective qualifying grid places.
- Blue Flag - usually for lapped cars during races . To say that a faster car is approaching and the driver should move aside to let them pass
- Chequered flag - Indicated the end of a race
These are just the main flags there are many more though.
Points system .
Every driver finishing with in the top 10 receive points P1 with 25 points and P10 with 1 point. Constructors also get points. At the end of the season, the driver and team with the most points are crowned world champion . The driver that has won the championship may bot be part of the team that has won the constructor championship although most of the time they are the same.
Until the next race,
Goodbye
(All Pictures Courtesy : Corbis Images)
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