Formula One (F1) is a single-seater formula racing cars series. It is the highest level class of racing sanctioned by the FIA. The sport originated in Europe and is now global, being held in Europe, South America, North America, Asia, and Australia. During a given season, several races, each Grand Prix, are held on dedicated street circuits and on specially created closed circuits.
In 2021 Max Verstappen won the Belgian Grand Prix under a safety car. The race was called off after just two laps because of the rain. Full points were awarded. 1).
In the 1997 European Grand Prix qualifications, three drivers all lapped the track in exactly 1m 21.072s: Jacques Villeneuve, Michael Schumacher, and Heinz-Harald Frentzen. The order was set by who drove the first lap with this time and therefore Villeneuve started first. 2).
Brabham BT46B, known as the “fan car,” had a rear fan. Over 50% of its duty was cooling the radiators in order to comply with the rules. The rest of the power was used to create negative pressure beneath the car. After protests from other teams, the car was withdrawn after one race at the 1978 Swedish GP because of concerns from Bernie Ecclestone, the team owner. 3).
Tyrrell P34 had six wheels and raced in 1976. It was the inspiration for the car from credits of the Pink Panther. It was retired in 1977 but other teams later tested six-wheel designs with four wheels at the back. In 1982, F1 started requiring four wheels. 4).
F1 cars accelerate from 0 to 100km/h (about 62 miles per hour) in approximately 2.6s. 5)
The basic cost of an F1 car is over $13.7 million. 6)
Brake discs can achieve a temperature of 1,000 degrees Celcius (1832 degrees Fahrenheit). 7)
The crew in the pit stop is able to change car tires in about three seconds. The world record is 1.82 seconds. 8)
The engine of a Formula 1 car will last, on average, just about seven races. Typically, passenger car engines last about 10 years. 9)
The weight of the vehicle must not be below 734 kg (about 1,618 pounds) without fuel after the introduction of the halo in 2018. This is the weight with the driver included. 10)
You cannot turn on the engine when it's cold. It has to be preheated since it doesn't have an external heater pump. 11)
On average, after one race, a driver loses 2-3 kg (4-6 lbs) due to heat. 12)
Just one female driver was able to score a point throughout the entire history of F1. Her name is Lella Lombardi. 13)
The 2005 US GP at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway had only six cars compete. These six cars had Bridgestone tires. Other 14 cars, all on Michelin tires only completed the parade lap. Michelin advised its customer teams that the tires would only be safe for 10 laps. 14)