A Beginner’s Guide to Formula 1

A Classic Infographic for Lemonly

#Formula 1 #racing

Ready for life in the fast lane? Formula 1 (F1) is the premier auto racing competition featuring the fastest cars and most skilled drivers in the world. With millions of fans worldwide, the sport’s popularity continues to grow, bolstered by Netflix’s Drive to Survive.

Gear up for the Formula 1 racing season with our infographic overview. This handy guide gives newcomers everything they need to know to start their journey into the thrilling world of F1 racing.

Check out our beginner’s guide to Formula 1 below!

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A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO FORMULA 1 Strap in, folks (preferably using a six-point safety harness). We’re diving into everything you need to know about life in the really-freaking-fast lane. WHAT IS FORMULA 1? Formula 1 — or F1 — is a premier international auto racing competition. With lightning-fast vehicles and elite drivers competing in races all over the world, F1 represents the razor’s edge of auto innovationand the pinnacle of motor racing. FAST FACTS //WHY IS IT CALLED FORMULA 1? Formula 1 got its name from the set of specific guidelines (a “formula,” if you will) that dictates how the cars are constructed. These regulations change every few years, keeping things interesting for the aerodynamicists and engineers.The “1” signifies the highest racing level. THE CARS F1 cars are some of the most advanced in the world thanks to their precision manufacturing, intricate aerodynamics, and turbocharged engines.The cutting-edge design and advanced materials help F1 cars reach stupendous speeds and withstand high stress on the circuit. FAST FACTS //TOP SPEED OF A FORMULA 1 CAR: 220+ MPH F1 CARS HAVE SOME SIGNATURE DETAILS THAT MAKE THEM AERODYNAMICALLY ASTOUNDING: FRONT WINGProvides downforce and directs air to other parts of the car. SIDEPODSStore the radiators and cooling units and shape the airflow around the car. REAR WINGGenerates downforce to the rear of the car. DIFFUSERCreates downforce on the back end by manipulating air moving under the car. THE DRIVERS The mighty and the few: Only 20 men drive in F1. These athletes train their endurance, strength, and reflexes to get to the top of motor racing. (SOME OF) THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME LEWISHAMILTON Dominated the 2010s with Mercedes, then made a surprise move to Ferrari for the 2025 season 103 7 2007–present MICHAELSCHUMACHER Revolutionized F1 with his strict training regimen and unique team dynamics 91 7 1991–2006, MAXVERSTAPPEN Raced in F1 for the first time at just 17 years old 54 3 2014–present SEBASTIANVETTEL Won four consecutive championships with Red Bull, but none with his childhood heroes, Ferrari 63 4 2007–2022 ALAINPROST Nicknamed “The Professor” for his academic approach to racing 51 4 1980–1991, 1993 Wins Championships Years active THE TEAMS Ten teams of two drivers each compete for championship titles throughout the F1 season, earning points based on their finishing positions. Teams vie for the Constructors’ Championship while individual drivers set their sights on the Drivers’ Championship. RB Alpine Aston Martin Ferrari Haas McLaren Mercedes Kick Sauber Williams Red Bull THREE TEAMS HAVE DOMINATED THE SPORT IN THE 21ST CENTURY CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP WINS SINCE 2000 ‘09 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 ‘17 ‘18 ‘19 ‘20 ‘21 ‘00 ‘01 ‘02 ‘03 ‘04 ‘07 ‘08 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘22 ‘23 FAST FACTS //PIT STOPS Races can be won or lost in a pit stop, and the pit crew moves almost as fast as the cars. The quickest pit stop ever clocked in at just 1.80 seconds, a fiercely fast feat achieved by the McLaren team in 2023. THE RACES F1 races are weekend-long events that draw tens or hundreds of thousands of spectators in cities all over the world, making F1 a truly international sport. THE SEASON The F1 season consists of a series of 20+ races, each called a Grand Prix, held on various tracks worldwide. Bahrain Saudi Arabia Australia Japan China USA Italy Monaco Canada Spain Austria UK Hungary Belgium Netherlands Azerbaijan Singapore Mexico Brazil Qatar UAE RACE WEEKEND FRIDAY PRACTICE SESSIONS FREE PRACTICE 1 (FP1)Teams have 90 minutes to collect initial data from running the circuit.FREE PRACTICE 2 (FP2)Teams refine their setup and strategy. SATURDAY FINAL PRACTICE & QUALIFYING FREE PRACTICE 3 (FP3)Last chance for teamsto fine-tune their cars.QUALIFYING ROUNDS (Q1, Q2, Q3)Fastest drivers advance to the next round, with the bottom five drivers eliminated in the first two rounds. SUNDAY RACE DAYTime for the main event!Get excited. Get loud. Get earplugs.Every race is equidistant (about 190 miles*), but the total race time and number of laps vary depending on the circuit. Races typically last between 1.5 and 2 hours.*Except the Monaco Grand Prix, which is about 160 miles. THE FINISH LINE Anyone with an interest in innovation and a need for speed can discover something to love about F1 racing. Like what you see? Sign up for more sweet visuals delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to the Lemonly Lowdown » HOME OF THE WORLD'S BEST INFOGRAPHICS SOURCES:Autosport.com // Formula1.com // Motorsport.com // RTR Sports Marketing