What Is F1? A Full Rundown on Formula 1 Racing

Curious about what is F1 and about Formula 1? You’re entering the thrilling world of the fastest and most elite single-seater racing series on Earth. F1 blends extreme speed, cutting-edge engineering, global spectacle, and strategic drama. From its historical roots to modern tech, we unpack all the layers—so you'll be ready by mid-March, when the season kicks off in Australia. Let’s go!

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Origins & Evolution: The Story Behind Formula 1

Born from post-WWII European racing traditions, the first Formula 1 World Championship began in 1950, won by Giuseppe Farina. Over decades, Formula 1 has evolved through radical eras—from Ferrari’s early dominance, to turbocharged breakthroughs in the 1980s, Schumacher’s 2000s dominance, and today’s hybrid era. Every phase shaped how we understand what is F1: a mix of speed, strategy, and innovation. The Australian Grand Prix (typically held in Melbourne at Albert Park Circuit) has traditionally opened the season.

• Has grown from 1950 Europe-only races to a 24-race global spectacle
  
  
• Innovation eras (turbo, V10, hybrid) define car performance evolution
  

Weekend Format & Season Schedule: When Does F1 Start?

About Formula 1 weekends: Practice sessions on Friday and Saturday unlock setup tweaks. Saturday afternoon features qualifying, determining grid position for Sunday’s Grand Prix—with points awarded to the top 10 finishers. The 2025 season kicks off in mid-March in Australia after February pre-season testing in Bahrain and Barcelona, then travels through iconic circuits like Monaco, Silverstone, and Las Vegas before concluding in December.

• Weekend format: FP1, FP2, FP3 → Qualifying → Race
  
  
• Season runs March–December, launching in Melbourne after February tests
  
  

F1 Cars & Technology: Engineering Marvels

F1 cars are high-tech beasts with carbon-fiber monocoques, hybrid turbo V6 power units, and ground-breaking aerodynamics. They generate lateral G-forces up to 6.5G and exceed 200 mph. Tyre performance, energy recovery systems, and safety features like the halo highlight Formula 1’s dual focus on speed and safety. Their complex tech makes what is F1 about also understanding innovation.

• Hybrid systems and aero define modern F1 performance
  
  
• Safety technologies balance speed with driver protection
  

Tyres: The Critical Grip Interface

Tyres are the only parts of an F1 car in contact with the track and crucial to performance. Each race weekend, teams manage slick compounds (Soft, Medium, Hard) and wet/weather tyres—all warmed with blankets to stay in the optimal performance window. By regulation, drivers must use at least two different dry compounds during a race. Strategic tyre management often decides overtakes, pit stops, and race outcomes.

• Pirelli supplies color-coded compounds and enforces usage rules
  
  
• Tyres wear fast—managing heat and degradation is critical
  
  

Drivers & Teams: Who Makes F1 Exciting

F1 features ten teams with two drivers each, selected through junior series like F2 and F3. Super Licenses ensure top-level talent. Teams like Red Bull (Verstappen), Ferrari (Hamilton), McLaren (Norris), Mercedes (Russell), and Alpine manage both competition and engineering. It's more than speed—it combines strategy, research, and star power.

• Drivers enter via F2/F3; only top performers grab Super Licenses
  
  
• Teams balance racing excellence with organizational strategy
  

Championships: Points, Titles & Race Strategy

Points range from 25 to 1 for top-10 finishes. Drivers and teams vie for their respective championships. Multiple Sprint-format weekends add more angles, while the strategic use of pit stops, energy recovery, and tyre modes define race-day drama—deepening viewers’ understanding of what is F1.

• Championships decided by cumulative points—drivers and constructors
  
  
• Pit-stop strategy and sprint races amplify weekend intrigue
  

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Circuits: The Tracks That Define Racing

From street tracks like Monaco and Las Vegas to historic venues like Silverstone and Spa, each circuit brings unique challenges—overtaking difficulty, tyre wear, weather variability. Learning about circuits helps fans appreciate lap times, setup choices, and driver skill—deepening their grasp of about Formula 1.

Circuits: The Tracks That Define Racing

• Circuit variety offers distinct technical and strategic challenges
  
  
• Fans tune in to specific venues for iconic moments and rivalries
  

Sustainability & Environmental Goals

F1 is driving toward a greener future. By 2025, F2 and F3 are using 55% sustainable fuels, and from 2026, F1 cars will follow suit. European Grand Prix weekends already achieve over 90% carbon reductions using renewables and biofuels. The #WeRaceAsOne initiative and team sustainability goals aim for net-zero by 2030.. It’s not just about speed—it’s about responsibility.

• F2/F3 using 100% sustainable fuel; F1 follows in 2026
  
  
• Grand Prix logistics powered by renewables, carbon reduction is major focus
  
  

Fan Culture, Media & Esports

Thanks to series like Drive to Survive, Formula 1’s fanbase has exploded. F1 isn’t just a race—it's a global entertainment event filled with trackside concerts, exclusive paddock access, and digital interaction. The sport's esports expansion, with F1 Esports and virtual races, keeps fans engaged year-round.

• Media like Netflix have expanded fanbase beyond traditional viewers
  
  
• Esports and virtual racing enhance accessibility and engagement
  
  

Strategy & Game Theory in F1

Behind every corner and pit stop lies game theory. Teams use advanced telemetry, predictive models, and in-depth strategic planning to outmaneuver rivals. From energy usage to tyre degradation predictions, mastering strategy is as vital as raw driving talent.

• AI-driven models inform tyre and timing strategy
  
  
• Strategy is as strategic as speed—teams play mental chess on track
  
  

Future Outlook: What's Next for Formula 1

F1’s future includes new safety upgrades (2026 chassis), expanding the calendar, deeper sustainability, and tech innovations transfer to road cars. Young talents from F1 Academy, increased diversity, and fan-friendly experiences are all shaping a more inclusive, exciting future.

• 2026 upgrades: stronger safety, carbon-fiber safety structures
  
  
• F1 Academy and diversity policies shape future talent pipeline
  
  

“F1” The Movie: Formula 1 Hits the Big Screen

The F1 movie, starring Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes and Damson Idris directed by Joseph Kosinski, was released globally on June 27, 2025. The film incorporates real Formula 1 teams, authentic track shots from 2023–24 Grands Prix, and even includes cameos from drivers like Max Verstappen, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton. 

This movie brings Formula 1 drama and spectacle to both fans and newcomers—it shows racing mechanics, team dynamics, high-speed action, and emotional stakes in a cinematic format. Jolting forward with top-tier visuals and star power, it’s a perfect on-ramp for new fans seeking insight into about Formula 1, all while entertaining seasoned viewers with stunning race sequences and genuine F1 involvement .

• Released June 27, 2025, with real Grand Prix footage and driver cameos

Final Strap In Before Takeoff

So, what is F1? It’s a fusion of elite engineering, raw speed, strategic nuance, and global appeal. Understanding circuits, cars, championships, tyres, sustainability, and community shows why F1 matters. And with the 2025 season starting this March in Australia, there’s no better time to dive in. Strap in!

FAQ: What Is F1?

What is F1?

Formula 1 is the FIA’s top-level global motorsport series featuring hybrid-powered single-seaters competing over 24 races each season. It blends speed, innovation, and strategy across driver & constructor battles.

When does F1 start?

The 2025 F1 season launches mid-March in Australia, with pre-season testing held in February in Bahrain and Barcelona.

Why is F1 so popular?

F1 offers fast-paced racing, glamorous global venues, engineering innovation, and widespread media coverage, all amplified by series like Drive to Survive.

How do F1 championships work?

Drivers earn points finishing in top 10 each weekend (25 to 1); constructors’ scores combine both team drivers. Sprint weekend structure adds extra point chances.