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I just started watching F1: what should I know?

July 27, 2022
Spotlight
Editorial

  • Bottas Raikkonen Baku

Formula 1 (F1) is one of the most popular sports in the world. If you are just starting to watch it, or are wondering what all the fuss is about, this blog post is for you! We will go over some basic information about F1 and give you a few tips on how to enjoy the sport more.

Indeed, motorsport has always been very popular among race fans for a number of years, however as technology and competition continue to improve, the sport’s popularity has continued to escalate to an astronomical level.

It is not just fans of the sport who have taken a key interest in it, either, with sports betting enthusiasts also noticing its appeal. While many will enjoy the mobile pokies options they have, there are some that will place wagers on the action that takes place on the track each weekend a race takes place.

So, without further ado, let’s get into what F1 is, and everything you should know about this wonderful sport to ensure you understand it fully and enjoy it as much as hardcore fans from all over the world!

What is Formula One?

Formula One, or F1 as it is commonly called, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the FIA. The “formula” in the name refers to a set of rules that all teams and drivers must adhere to. These rules cover everything from the car’s dimensions to the amount of fuel that can be used during a race

FIA stands for Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, which is French for “International Automobile Federation”. The FIA is responsible for setting and enforcing the rules of various motorsports disciplines, including Formula One.

When was the first F1 race season held?

The first Formula One World Championship season was held in 1950 and since then there have been 73 seasons; with this current one underway being the 73rd to have taken place. Each season consists of a series of races, called “Grands Prix”, which are held at circuits around the world.

There are a number of different tracks being used, including some of the world’s most iconic. The Monaco Grand Prix, for example, is held on the streets of Monte Carlo, while the British Grand Prix takes place at Silverstone. Each year, though, can see new or older tracks appear on the calendar, with the 2022 season featuring a total of 22 races throughout the year.

What is the format of a Grand Prix?

The races are usually held on Sundays, with practice and qualifying sessions taking place on the two days prior. Each race weekend begins with two one-hour practice sessions on Friday, followed by another hour-long session on Saturday morning. These sessions are used to help the teams and drivers learn about the track conditions and fine-tune their cars.

Qualifying takes place later on Saturday afternoon, with each driver taking turns to set fast laps around the circuit. The starting grid for the race is determined by these qualifying times, with the fastest driver starting in pole position.

The actual race itself usually lasts around two hours, although this can vary depending on the length of the circuit. During the race, drivers must make pit stops to change tires and refuel their cars. The number of pit stops varies depending on factors such as tire wear and fuel consumption.

After the chequered flag has been shown, the final positions of each car are determined and points are awarded accordingly. The driver who finishes first is said to have won the “Grand Prix”. The driver with the most points at the end of the season is crowned “World Champion”.

Which teams compete in F1?

There are currently ten teams competing in Formula One, each with two drivers. As of the 2022 season, the teams are: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen, Scuderia AlphaTauri, BWT Alpine F1 Team, Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari, Haas F1 Team, McLaren F1 Team, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, and Williams Racing.

The most successful team in Formula One history is Ferrari, who have won a total of 16 Constructors’ Championships. The most successful driver is Michael Schumacher, who has won a record seven Drivers’ Championships during his time with Ferrari; a record that is held jointly with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton as of the 2022 F1 season.

How can you enjoy F1?

So now that you know a little bit more about Formula One, here are a few tips on how to enjoy it more:

  • Try to familiarize yourself with the different teams and drivers. This will help you understand the sport better and make it more enjoyable to watch.
  • Pay attention to the qualifying sessions and practice sessions leading up to the race. These are often just as exciting as the race itself.
  • Do not be afraid to ask questions if you are not sure about something. There are plenty of resources available online, or you can always ask a friend or family member who is more knowledgeable about Formula One.

Conclusion

There you have it! Everything you need to know about Formula One as a newbie to the sport! This article should provide you with every bit of basic knowledge you need and help you to enjoy the sport a lot more than you first thought!