The Pinnacle of Single Seater Motorsports. Where cars go at a roaring speed. Touching speeds up 350 kmph, in aesthetically and aerodynamically designed cars. Cars which can withstand forces 2 to 4 times than standard cars.
Formula 1 races are governed by Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile or simply known as FIA. As FIFA is for football.
It was the year 2014, my friend told me about this legendary driver Ayrton Senna. The best ever to be on Formula 1. The world Knows Michael Schumacher, but little of them know about the Great Brazilian Speedster Ayrton Senna. I will write a separate post on his life and achievements.
It was the Brazilian legends lap of life, which got me interested in Formula 1. Ever since then my interest in Formula 1, gradually increased.
Image Source- Deviantart
In a season of Formula 1, there are 21 races, spanning across different Circuits in different parts of the Globe. The most nerve-recking and grinding race of the year happens at the historic Monaco Grand Prix. The Speciality of the Monaco GP is that, during the grand prix weekend, the city roads become the circuit. The race literally happens in the streets of Monte Carlo,Monaco, passing residential apartments and 5 star hotels. Once the Grand Prix is over, its all back to normal for the Monegasque's.
Image Source-F1 Reader
Circuit De Monaco
10 Teams Participate in Formula, and each team have 2 drivers. The team aims to win the Constructors Championship and drivers, race to their limits to be called Champion of the World. The Current reigning Constructors Champions are Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team. The drivers Champion of the world is Lewis Hamilton. This man made history when he became the first black driver to be ever on a formula 1 grid and he is a stalwart 6 time world champion, winning successively last 3 years with Mercedes F1 team. He has won total of 5 drivers championship with Mercedes.
If lewis hamilton adds one more to his championships, he will be equalling Michael Schumachers tally of 7 world Championships. Most probably he will with the way he is performing this year.
Legendary teams like Ferrari and McLaren, have been struggling in the past few years to get back to glory. They find a tuff competition in Mercedes F1 team. Ferrari is by far the most successful formula 1 in history. Since the Inception of Formula 1, there hasn't been a Grand Prix, without Ferrari on the grid.
Each team needs to construct and analyze its own car's for the two drivers. The formula 1 has set rules and regulation in order for the teams to be fair.
The Grand Prix weekend is divide into 3 days.
Day 1: Practice Session- Where drivers get to test their cars and get a taste of the circuit.
Day 2: Qualifying - The drivers try complete a lap in the fastest time possible. Fastest time achieving pole position and will placed 1st on the grid for race day. The second best time, placed 2nd on the grind and so on.
Day 3- Race day- The Judgement day. The drivers fight it out for 71 laps with each lap averaging around 5.5 km. This day is were the effort of the mechanics, the data analysis team, the engineers and most importantly the drivers who give it their blood and sweat, comes to fruition. The top 3 finishers get to be on the podium with the driver achieving P1, adding 25 points to his and his teams tally.
The points achieved by team and drivers are added up after 21 races and end of the season are awarded accordingly.
The most bizarre aspect of Formula 1 is the G Force the drivers encounter during a race. From speeds of 300 Kmph on a straight and then suddenly shifting down to 60 kmph in a fraction of a second on the upcoming corner, causes the drivers to face G force up to 6 G. The G forces at the end of the races, wipes off 2-4 kg of body weight of the driver. This is Psych. They train through the year to maintain their bodyweight.
Fun Fact - Average human reaction time = 300ms, F1 driver reaction time = 100ms
Over the years, Formula 1 cars have evolved, keeping safety, speed and aerodynamics in mind. The safety of the drivers are paramount in Formula 1, as many of the speedsters lost there life, living out their passion, including Ayrton Senna. The evolution is a discussion for another day.
Theres a lot going on behind the scenes of a Grand Prix. We see on tv, cars racing, but at the control center every part of the car and driver are being analyzed by over 40 data analyst. Based on which, the team devices strategies, such as when to pitstop or which tyre to use(Soft,Intermediate or Hard). Sometimes, analysis report demands to retire the car, for the safety of the driver.
The grand prix weekend, especially the race, as a fan its exhilarating for me. Supporting McLaren, is not a merry feeling. I am loyal fan and will remain a McLaren fan for life. One of my favourite driver Daniel Ricciardo is joining the McLaren F1 team, next year. So I have got my fingers crossed.
Mclaren MCL35
I am still new to Formula 1, and there a lot more to know about this wonderful sports.
Above, is just the first floor of Forumla 1
For those, who are being introduced to formula 1 through this post. I hope I have done a good job, explaining Formula 1 in a nutshell and also made it interesting. If not, please let me know in the comments below.
For all the Formula 1 fans on Hive. Eagerly waiting for your response and to get to know your favourite team, driver and circuits.
Thank You for Reading.
Have a blessed and a wonderful day.