Getting up to Speed: Understanding F1

The F1 Season Explained

It’s commonly—and accurately—joked that F1 is just twenty rich dudes going around in fast cars. In reality, there are hundreds of wealthy individuals and organisations behind the scenes helping these teams reach the pinnacle of motorsport (not sponsored).

The F1 season kicks off early in the year, travels across the globe, and wraps up in December. Races are held on a mix of classic circuits, like Silverstone and Imola, as well as street tracks such as Monaco and Singapore. Teams and drivers compete for two main titles: the Drivers’ Championship, awarded to the driver with the most points over the season, and the Constructors’ Championship, given to the team whose two drivers collectively score the most points. Winning these titles is not just about prestige; it also brings financial rewards, sponsorship opportunities, and long-term commercial benefits, which motivate teams and drivers alike.

Most race weekends follow a structured format designed to test both speed and strategy. They usually start with practice sessions, giving drivers and teams the chance to fine-tune their cars and gather data on track conditions. This is followed by qualifying, which sets the starting grid for the main race. Some events also include sprint races, offering extra points and influencing the Grand Prix starting order. The mix of sessions ensures that both driver skill and team strategy play a key role in performance over the weekend.

Understand the regulations

The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, regularly updates the technical and sporting regulations—typically every few years—to keep racing competitive and exciting. These changes can affect car dimensions, aerodynamics, engine parameters, and other performance factors. In recent years there has been a greater and necessary emphasis on driver safety, such as the introduction of the halo and the minimum roll hoop strength.

The importance of qualifying

Under the 2025 regulations, Formula 1 cars run 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid engines, with a strong emphasis on generating downforce through ground effect — the airflow beneath the car. However, the cars have become larger and heavier than ever, which has made overtaking more difficult and racing less dynamic. As a result, qualifying performance has taken on even greater importance, pushing teams and drivers to focus heavily on extracting maximum single-lap speed and securing optimal track position.