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Formula One: A Summary

• Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
• A Formula One season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held in multiple countries and continents around the world on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.
• Each driver must hold a valid Super Licence, the highest class of racing licence issued by the FIA, and the races must be held on tracks graded "1", the highest grade-rating issued by the FIA for tracks.
• Formula One cars are the fastest regulated road-course racing cars in the world, owing to very high cornering speeds achieved through generating large amounts of aerodynamic downforce.
• The turbulence caused by the downforce generated by the cars reduces the downforce generated by the cars following directly behind, making it hard to overtake.
• Major changes made to the cars for the 2022 season has seen greater use of ground effect aerodynamics and modified wings to reduce the turbulence behind the cars, with the goal of making overtaking easier.
• With an average annual cost of running a team being approximately £220,000,000 (or $265,000,000), its financial and political battles are widely reported.
• Bernie Ecclestone is widely credited with transforming the sport into the multibillion-dollar business it now is.
• Drivers from McLaren, Williams, Renault (formerly Benetton), and Ferrari, dubbed the "Big Four", won every World Championship from 1984 to 2008.
• Manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz have returned to the sport.
• Michael Schumacher won seven Drivers' Championships, set many new records, including those for Grand Prix wins (91), wins in a season (thirteen), and most Drivers' Championships (seven).
• Safety has been a driving force for rule changes, and since 1994, no driver has died of injuries sustained on the track at the wheel of a Formula One car for 20 years until the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, where Jules Bianchi collided with a recovery vehicle after aquaplaning off the circuit, dying nine months later from his injuries.
• The championship rules were changed to reduce cornering speeds and produce racing similar to rainy conditions by enforcing a smaller contact patch between tyre and track.around 3 to 5 seconds) to signal the start of the race. The race distance is typically around 300 km, or 190 miles. The winner of the race is the first driver to cross the finish line after completing the specified number of laps. Points are awarded to the top ten finishers, with the winner receiving 25 points. In addition, a point is awarded to the driver who sets the fastest lap of the race, provided that driver finishes in the top ten. Pit stops are a crucial aspect of race strategy, with teams typically making two to three stops per race to change tyres and refuel the car. Overtaking is allowed during the race, with drivers using a combination of speed, skill, and strategy to pass their competitors. The use of DRS (Drag Reduction System) is also allowed on certain parts of the track, which reduces drag and increases speed, making overtaking easier.Formula One: Race Format, Points System, Constructors, Drivers and Feeder Series

Race Format

• Races start with a formation lap before a standing start (as of 2019)
• Races may be restarted if a driver stalls or due to serious accidents or dangerous conditions
• Race lengths were standardised to 305 km in 1989, but street races like Monaco have shorter distances
• Drivers may overtake each other for position, and lapped drivers must allow leaders to pass
• Pit stops are used to change tyres and make repairs, and drivers must use two of three available compounds
• Wet weather tyres with additional grooves are used in wet conditions
• Flags are used to signal track conditions and safety

Points System

• Top ten cars receive points in the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, with the winner receiving 25 points
• All points won at each race are added up to determine the World Champions
• A driver must finish within the top ten to receive a point for setting the fastest lap of the race
• Points are only awarded to drivers who complete at least 90% of the race distance

Constructors

• Constructors design the chassis and engine, and are scored individually
• Teams are required to build the chassis in which they compete
• Major car manufacturers dominate the sport, but independent engine suppliers like Cosworth have existed
• Teams may subcontract the design and construction of the chassis to a third-party
• Teams rarely disclose information about their budgets, but they are estimated to range from $66 million to $400 million each
• A $200 million up-front payment to the FIA is required to enter a new team in the Formula One World Championship

Drivers

• Every team must run two cars in every session in a Grand Prix weekend, and may use up to four drivers in a season

• Drivers must possess a FIA Super Licence to compete in a Grand Prix, which is issued based on success in junior motorsport categories and having achieved 300 km of running in a Formula One car

• Each driver chooses an unassigned number from 2 to 99 upon entering Formula One, and keeps that number during their time in the series

• Permanent numbers were introduced in 1973 to take effect in 1974, and were allocated based on the Constructors' Championship standings at the end of the previous season

• As of the conclusion of the 2021 Championship, a total of 34 separate drivers have won the World Drivers' Championship, with Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton holding the record for most championships with seven

• Most F1 drivers start in kart racing competitions, and then come up through traditional European single-seater series like Formula Ford and Formula Renault to Formula 3, and finally the FIA Formula 2 Championship (formerly GP2) before graduating to F1Overview of Formula One Racing

• Formula One racing has a global reach, with drivers and teams from all over the world.

• The number of Grands Prix held in a season has varied over the years, with recent seasons averaging 19 races.

• Grands Prix have been held in various countries, with Monaco being the most prestigious and important race.

• Most circuits are specially constructed for competition, with the exception of street circuits such as Monaco, Melbourne, and Singapore.

• Modern Formula One cars are mid-engined, hybrid, semi-open cockpit, open-wheel single-seaters.

• The cornering speed of Formula One cars is largely determined by the aerodynamic downforce they generate.

• Suspension is double wishbone or multilink front and rear, with pushrod operated springs and dampers on the chassis.

• Carbon-carbon disc brakes are used for reduced weight and increased frictional performance.

• In 2022, the technical regulations changed considerably to reduce the turbulence produced by the aerodynamics of the car, promoting racing and allowing cars to follow each other more closely.

• As of 2019, each team may have no more than two cars available for use at any time.

• F1 teams spend billions of dollars on their racing operations, with costs varying greatly from team to team.

• Formula One generates significant revenue and profits, with teams paying entry fees and spending money on engines, tires, and other equipment.