Articles: Formula1
Formula 1
Formula One, or F1, is an exciting auto racing sport where drivers compete with each other to become the first to cross the finish line. Each driver covers a total distance of 190 miles which is divided in several laps. All Formula One cars are super-fast, single seat vehicles that have been specially manufactured for the sport by some of the top auto-mobile companies in the world. Each competitor is offered certain points, depending on the position in which he finishes the race. The driver who has the most points at the end of the season is declared the winner. The races are typically held throughout the world as a celebrated event known as a Grand Prix.
The word “Formula” actually represents a set of rules that each participant must comply with in order to become part of this elite sport. The first discussion for Formula One arrived in the 1930s, but plans were shelved because of WW 2. The first F1 race was held at Silverstone in May 1950. As the years passed, cars became slicker and faster and money poured into the game. The final shake up came in 1970, when Bernie Ecclestone changed the entire management and transformed the sport into a billion dollar business.
Formula One is a sport that is not dominated by countries. The race involves 10 teams that represent some of the top auto-mobile companies in the world as well as several private owners. These races are held across 19 different circuits all over the globe. The sport is followed by millions of fans and each race is known to be a huge event in the annual calendar of the countries where these races are held.
Each of the 10 teams is allowed to field 2 cars and 2 drivers each. Some of the most popular teams of Formula One history include Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Manor, Sauber, Red Bull, Lotus, Williams and Toro Rosso.
Equipment and Arena
Formula One is considered to be the most high-tech form of racing. Numerous advancements such as traction control and aerodynamic changes for better mileage and the use of lightweight materials such as aluminium have taken place in Formula One racing over the years. The most important piece of equipment in an F1 race is the racing car itself. Each car is customized to achieve a single objective – speed. Despite being built for speed, each car also needs to comply with a specific set of engineering and technical rules and regulations that have been laid down by the FIA. This helps to create a level playing field for all participants and ensures that the sport is safe for the drivers.
F1 racing is held on dedicated circuits all over the globe. Each country that holds an F1 race has its own circuit and each circuit has its own features and designs that are dedicated to high performance racing and present distinct challenges to the participants.
Starting a Formula One race
Each driver must arrive at an allocated grid position within the stipulated time as each race follows a strict timetable. The starting position of drivers is decided by 3 qualifying rounds. The first qualifying round starts with 22 racers where 6 of the slowest cars fill up the last 6 spots. The second qualifying round again makes the 6 slowest cars drop out to fill up the 11 – 16 spots. The final qualifying round determines the starting order for the top 10 positions. The car that wins the third qualifying round starts from the “pole position”. In fact, betting on which car shall start at the pole position is a very popular bet in the betting market.
The rules of Formula One
Every aspect of the F1 car size is regulated. The cars must pass the mandatory crash tests and they are also subjected to squeeze tests. Refuelling isn’t permitted during a race. After each qualifying session, the car is weighed and secured in a paddock, which is released only on race day.
The driver must complete at least 90% of the race to get points. All drivers and teams receive season championship points if they finish the race in the top 10 position. All F1 drivers are also expected to follow a strict on-track behaviour protocol. The stewards have the right to impose all sorts of penalties on drivers who commit an offence during the actual race or during practice. The most common types of penalties imposed include the drive-through penalty, the 5-second penalty and the 10-second penalty. The drive-through penalty requires a driver to enter the pit lane and proceed down its length before re-joining the race. When it comes to time penalties, the drivers must stop their vehicles in their respective garages for the penalized time before they can rejoin the race.
The race is governed by 7 key officials who control the activities of the marshals and stewards. Five of these officials and the permanent starter are officiated by the FIA. The other two officials are nominated by the National Sporting Authority of the country that hosts the race. These officials decide when to stop or interrupt a race and they also decide on the penalties / disqualifications imposed on drivers for breaking the rules during practice or during the actual race.
FIA publishes two different rules before the season. One covers the way a race runs while the second set contains the technical regulations.
Strategy and tactics used in Formula One
Since overtaking is very difficult, drivers concentrate on obtaining the best possible starting position. Their first objective is to get to the first corner as best as possible. The position that drivers achieve by the first corner is often more or less the position in which they finish the race. Drivers also pay a lot of attention ensuring that they do not break the rules to save themselves from getting penalties or sanctions.
Each Grand Prix race offers points to drivers and constructors, which are added to the season total. At the end of the season, the driver with the most points is the winner. Constructors are offered the same number of points as their drivers. A 1st place finish awards 25 points, 2nd finish offers 18 points and a 3rd place finish awards 15 points. Tied results are decided on results count-back. The driver with the most wins becomes the winner.
Race strategies are constantly evolving. The biggest changes came when teams realized that making two or three pit stops offered numerous circuit benefits during the race. Another major change in racing strategy came in 2007, when the FIA standardized the tyre supplier. Finally, the 2010 ban on refuelling made all teams re-consider their strategies.
More than 100 people are involved in any given Formula One team. The driver might seem to be the most important person; but engineers, team boss, commercial director, technical director, chief designer, chief of R&D and chief aerodynamics are equally important.
Competing in Formula One
Becoming a Formula One driver is very difficult. The first step is to participate in go-karting for 5 – 10 years at an early age. This is followed by the Formula BMW for a year or two, the GP3, and the GP2. Usually, drivers with a future in the Formula One reach the GP2 stage by the age of 22. Once a driver has enough fame in the GP2, a Formula One team may hire him as an F1 Test Driver. The final stage is to get promoted to the position of a Formula One driver.
The only races that are held are a part of the Formula One season, which takes place once every year. Each race comprises of 3 stages of qualifying rounds, followed by the race day event. There are 20 such races in a single season. All races are held between the months of March and November.
Formula One is governed by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA is responsible for laying down all rules and regulations which must then be followed by all contractors and drivers.
Betting on Formula One
All Formula One races are held on Sundays, with one or two races being held every month. Moreover, the season only takes place between the months of March to November. This means that the betting opportunities are quite limited when it comes to the Formula One. After all, punters have just 20 races to bet on. That being said, bettors can always choose from a variety of bets while betting on Formula One.
The most popular bets placed in F1 include season winners, outcome of qualifying events, points finish and podium finish ( Winner markets ). Other betting options include betting on the Word Drivers Championship and the World Constructors Championship ( Season winner markets ).