What is Formula 1?
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Your Fast Lane into the World’s Greatest Racing Series

F1 Explained: A Fresh Guide for New Fans

So you’ve heard the roar of engines, seen clips of thrilling overtakes, or maybe stumbled upon some intense debates about tire strategies—and now you’re curious. Welcome to the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1, where speed meets strategy and technology pushes the limits. If you’re new here, this guide is your perfect pit stop to understand what it’s all about.


What Is Formula 1?

Formula 1 is the most advanced form of single-seater car racing in the world. The championship includes a series of races—called Grands Prix—held on various circuits and street tracks around the globe. Drivers compete for both individual and team glory, backed by machines that cost millions to design and build.

Started in 1950, the sport has evolved into a global spectacle, combining cutting-edge automotive innovation with the raw skill of elite drivers.


 Who Runs the Show?

The sport is overseen by an international body known as the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). This organization creates the technical and sporting rulebook that all teams and drivers must follow.

On the business side, Formula 1 is owned and marketed by Liberty Media, an American company that took over in 2017. While the FIA governs the sport, Liberty Media handles promotion and media rights.


 Two Paths to Victory

Formula 1 features two main championships running side-by-side:

  1. Drivers’ ChampionshipIndividual drivers collect points based on race results.

  2. Constructors’ ChampionshipTeams earn points through both of their drivers’ finishes.

Drivers fight for prestige, while teams chase prize money and technical bragging rights. The better a team finishes in the standings, the more financial support and bonuses they receive at the end of the season.


 How Points Work

In a regular race, the top 10 finishers earn points like this:

PositionPoints
1st25
2nd18
3rd15
4th12
5th10
6th8
7th6
8th4
9th2
10th1

In shorter sprint races, only the top 8 get points, starting from 8 for 1st down to 1 for 8th.


 What Happens on a Race Weekend?

An F1 race weekend is typically spread over three days:

  • Friday: Two free practice sessions help drivers understand the circuit and test car setups.

  • Saturday: One more practice, followed by a qualifying session to decide the starting order.

  • Sunday: The main race—the Grand Prix.

Qualifying Breakdown:

Qualifying is split into three rounds:

  • Q1: All cars participate; the slowest 5 are eliminated.

  • Q2: 15 cars compete; another 5 are dropped.

  • Q3: The top 10 fight for pole position—the best place to start Sunday’s race.


 Lights Out and Away We Go!

The race kicks off with a formation lap where drivers warm up their tires and engines. Once they line up on the grid, the red lights go out—and the battle begins.

What follows is a mix of wheel-to-wheel combat, tactical pit stops, tire strategy, and occasional curveballs like safety cars or changing weather. After a set number of laps, the first driver to cross the finish line is the winner.


 What’s a Sprint Race?

Introduced to shake things up, sprint races are shorter events (about 100 km) held on select weekends. They offer a second chance to score points and sometimes decide the grid for the main race.

Typically, these weekends go like this:

  • Friday: Free practice + sprint qualifying

  • Saturday: Sprint race + normal qualifying

  • Sunday: The full Grand Prix


 The 2025 Teams and Drivers (Example)

Each F1 team runs two drivers. Some are seasoned champions, others are fresh-faced rookies trying to make their mark.

Here’s a sample look (with 2025-style lineup):

  • Red Arrow Racing

    • Car #22 – Max Speedster

    • Car #77 – Rookie Blaze (R)

  • Team Velocity

    • Car #10 – Ava Cruz

    • Car #55 – Leon Zhang

(Note: Each driver chooses a permanent number for their career.)


The Tech Side: Why F1 Cars Are Engineering Marvels

F1 cars are incredibly complex machines. They’re built from lightweight carbon fiber, powered by hybrid engines that blend internal combustion with electric power, and feature mind-boggling aerodynamics. Every part is optimized for performance.

Teams employ hundreds of engineers, data analysts, aerodynamicists, and mechanics to perfect their cars and gain even a tenth of a second advantage.


Simulation, Strategy & Skill

Before they even hit the track, drivers spend hours in simulators. Strategy is everything—from choosing the right tire compounds to deciding the best moment to make a pit stop.

Some races are won not on raw speed, but on clever thinking and precise execution.


 Victory and Celebration

Once the checkered flag waves, the top three drivers step onto the podium. They’re awarded trophies and celebrate with a classic champagne (or sparkling water) spray.

Behind the scenes, teams analyze performance data, plan improvements, and prepare for the next challenge.

Learn the Language of Formula 1 – Jargon Every Fan Must Know

Stepping into the world of Formula 1 for the first time? Don’t worry if it sounds like an entirely different language at first. With a bit of practice and this friendly glossary, you’ll be decoding F1 race commentary like a pro in no time.

Lights Out

The moment the five red lights above the start grid go out marks the official start of the race. It’s fast, dramatic, and every fan knows to hold their breath right at this moment.

Green Flag

Indicates that the track is clear and normal racing can resume. “Green flag racing” means drivers are back at full speed with no restrictions.

Yellow Flag

Signals caution. Drivers must slow down due to a hazard on or near the track. No overtaking is allowed under yellow flag conditions.

Safety Car

When danger on the track is more serious, the safety car comes out to lead the pack and control the speed until it’s safe to resume racing.

Virtual Safety Car (VSC)

A digital alternative to the physical safety car. Drivers must reduce speed and maintain gaps without bunching up behind a car.

Red Flag

Used to stop a session entirely due to an incident or extreme weather. Cars return to the pit lane, and racing is paused until further notice.

Blue Flag

Warns slower cars that faster ones are approaching to lap them. Ignoring blue flags can lead to penalties.

Black Flag

A rare but serious signal—this flag means a driver has been disqualified and must immediately return to the pits.

Checkered Flag

The iconic end-of-race flag. When this waves, the race is complete and results are finalized.


F1 Race Features & Strategy Lingo

DRS (Drag Reduction System)

A speed-enhancing tool used when a car is within one second of another. It opens a flap on the rear wing, reducing drag to aid overtaking.

DRS Zone

These are specific parts of the circuit where DRS can be activated—usually long straights where overtaking is more feasible.

Racing Line

The fastest and most efficient path around a circuit. It’s a subtle art every driver learns to master.

Downforce

The aerodynamic force that pushes the car down toward the track, increasing grip and cornering ability. It’s one of the biggest differentiators in car performance.

Oversteer

When the rear tires lose grip before the front, causing the back of the car to slide out. Tricky to control and easy to spin.

Understeer

The front tires lose grip, and the car turns less than intended. Easier to manage than oversteer but still slows lap times.

Dirty Air

Turbulent air created behind a car that affects the downforce of the following car, reducing grip and performance.


Pit Lane & Technical Rules

DNF (Did Not Finish)

This acronym appears in race results when a driver is forced to retire before crossing the finish line.

DSQ (Disqualified)

Used when a driver breaks major regulations and is excluded from the race results.

Pits

The area where cars receive service during a race. Includes the garage and pit lane.

Pit Stop

A rapid service session for tire changes or adjustments. Can make or break a race due to the time involved.

Box

Race engineers will tell drivers to “box,” meaning it’s time to come in for a pit stop.

Parc Fermé

After qualifying, cars are secured in a special zone with restricted access. Teams can’t make changes unless approved by race officials.

Sector

Each track is split into three sectors for timing purposes. This helps pinpoint where drivers are gaining or losing time.


Tire Talk – Compounds & Wear

Compounds

Pirelli supplies three tire compounds per race—soft, medium, and hard—each offering different grip and durability. Selection is based on track and weather conditions.

Degradation

As tires wear out during a race, their performance drops—a key strategic factor for pit stops.

Blistering

When tires overheat, bubbles can form beneath the surface, tearing the rubber and reducing performance.

Graining

Occurs when a tire isn’t warm enough and rubber starts to tear and stick back onto the tire, creating a layer that reduces grip.

Flat Spot

Caused by locking a tire under braking. The tire wears unevenly, affecting handling and comfort.

Marbles

Loose bits of rubber that collect off the racing line. Drivers avoid them as they reduce grip and can cause spins.


Quick Fact – Do F1 Drivers Pee in the Car?

Yes, it happens—though rarely. Most drivers avoid it, but when nature calls during a two-hour race, some like Mark Webber or David Coulthard have admitted to letting it happen mid-race. Some long-distance series use catheter systems!


How to Follow Formula 1

Want to stay on top of every twist and turn in the world of F1? From breaking news to in-depth technical features and racing history, start by exploring trusted platforms like PlanetF1.com, the FIA’s official site, or your favorite team’s social handles. The more you watch, the more second nature this thrilling sport becomes.


 Ready to Dive In?

If you’re planning to watch your first race, pick an upcoming Grand Prix and follow a team or driver you like. Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything right away—every F1 fan started with a single race. With time, you’ll catch the buzz, the strategies, and the rivalries that make F1 so compelling.

Stay tuned for our upcoming articles