Overview
This video provides a comprehensive introduction to the basics of Formula One, covering how the sport operates, its regulations, tire rules, weekend formats, and point systems.
Structure of Formula One
- Formula One features 10 teams, each with two drivers, competing for both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
- The FIA enforces strict technical regulations, requiring each team to design their own unique car.
- Teams and drivers accumulate points throughout a long season to determine championship standings.
Season and Race Calendar
- The current F1 season has 23 races, but the number can change with new races added or removed annually.
- Race weekends occur at various global locations, including Britain, Japan, Bahrain, and Las Vegas.
Race Weekend Format
- Friday features two one-hour practice sessions for car setup and driver familiarization.
- Saturday includes a third practice session and a three-part qualifying session (Q1, Q2, Q3) to determine starting positions.
- After qualifying, cars enter Park Fermé, restricting most changes to setup except for minor adjustments.
- The main race is held on Sunday afternoon, with varying lap counts but a minimum total race distance of 305 km (except Monaco).
Qualifying System
- Q1: 18 minutes, slowest five drivers eliminated (positions 16–20 set).
- Q2: 15 minutes, next slowest five eliminated (positions 11–15).
- Q3: Top 10 shootout determines front starting positions.
Tire Compounds and Rules
- Three dry tire compounds (soft, medium, hard) are chosen by Pirelli before each event based on circuit characteristics.
- Soft (red), medium (yellow), and hard (white) tires vary in performance and durability.
- Drivers must use at least two different dry tire compounds during a dry race.
- Intermediate (green) and full wet (blue) tires are used in wet conditions.
- Each driver receives a limited allocation of tires per weekend; unused tires are returned after sessions.
Race Points and Scoring
- Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers (1st: 25; 2nd: 18; 3rd: 15; down to 10th: 1).
- A bonus point is awarded for the fastest lap if the driver finishes in the top 10.
- Refueling is no longer allowed during races.
Sprint Race Weekends
- Six sprint race weekends in 2023 with a modified format: one practice and qualifying on Friday, another practice and the sprint race on Saturday.
- Sprint race results determine Sunday’s grid; sprint race points differ from the main race format.
- The FIA is testing further format changes, including two separate qualifying sessions.
Upcoming Content
- The next video will focus on the design and engineering of F1 cars, including their engines.