Formula 1… the fastest cars in the world are paired with some of the most talented drivers for a high-speed, high-intensity sport like no other. And yet, F1 is still relatively unheard of in America. But we’re here to change that! The rules are easy to understand, the drama is as crazy as it gets, and the theme song is absolutely unbeatable.
Sooo… how does it work?
There are 10 racing teams, each with 2 drivers, for a total of 20 drivers in all of Formula 1. Because the entire grid (or “lineup”) of drivers is so small, you can easily get to know each of them and their relationships with each other!
One calendar year runs from March to December, with around 20-ish races. However, these races are never on the same racetrack, or even close to each other! The grand prix – the formal term for races – are held from Brazil to Singapore to Hungary to Abu Dhabi to even in America as well! (We have 2: Miami & Austin, Texas)
Races last for around 2 hours. Drivers race around these tracks for anywhere from 50-70 laps, or 190 miles! Because they have so much ground to cover, these guys can gain up to 200 miles an hour in speed, which is insane!
Winning a grand prix is simple: cross the finish line before the rest of your competitors in the shortest amount of time possible. The better your finish, the more points you earn. (see above)
Terms to Know to Sound Like a Pro
- To box/to pit: to go off-track to change tires or anything that’s damaged; most drivers pit around 3 times a race… obviously the less times, the better!
- DNF (did not finish): when a driver crashes or something stops working; they score no points with a DNF
- DRS (drag reduction system): You’re permitted in certain parts of the track to use this “super speed system” to overtake the person in front of you. What happens is the flap on the back wing opens allowing you to go faster on the straits.
- Grid: The lineup of all 20 drivers. The “fastest on the grid” means the fastest of all drivers
- Pole position: When you are in the #1 position for when the race starts. This is determined by qualifying the day before.
Want to learn more? Netflix has you covered!
In March of 2019, Netflix released Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a show detailing everything we talked about, but really focusing more on the behind the scenes of the races. You’ll see everything from intense team rivalries, to the drama between teammates, to even some serious spinouts that show you just how wild Formula 1 is. But don’t just take ours or Netflix’s word for it… see for yourself! We’ve got the race calendar so you know exactly when the next grand prix is. If you decide to tune in, you can be sure we’ll be watching right along with you!
