The highest level of racing technology, incredible speeds, and magnificent performance make Formula 1 a popular and exciting sport. Our editors explore why it is worth watching this royal race. Read our article with interesting facts about Formula 1.

Formula 1 Speed

Speed is what most people associate with Formula 1. Those who recently obtained their driver's license can easily imagine how terrifying even 70 km/h can be. The average speed of a Formula 1 car on the track is around 200 km/h. A Grand Prix in the rain becomes an extremely dangerous event, and drivers enter corners at speeds exceeding 100 km/h. On some sections of the track, cars can easily reach speeds of 300–360 km/h. Small aircraft take off at these speeds, and on the track, they are held down only by the car's construction. The fact is that every racing car is equipped with wings that press it to the ground (unlike aircraft wings, which catch air currents). At maximum speeds, the car's wheels rotate 50 times per second, forcing the driver to change tires at least once per race.

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Formula 1 Drivers Are Smarter Than Astronauts

It is often said that in Formula 1, everything is decided by the skills of the constructors and the car design, while the driver is merely a passenger with little influence on the race result. That is, of course, not true. It is the driver's skill that determines the car's speed when entering a corner, the ability to move or overtake the car ahead, and to stay on the track. An F1 driver must have a high reaction time, be able to concentrate, and make quick decisions – all under enormous G-force.

Formula 1: Interesting Facts, Records, and Speeds

Due to the high speeds, the average driver experiences a force equal to six times their body weight during a race, and seven to eight times their body weight during braking or cornering. For comparison, during takeoff, a person experiences a force equal to one and a half times their body weight, while astronauts experience a force equal to four to five times their body weight. Additionally, the temperature inside the car is approximately 50 °C, and dehydration causes the driver to lose several kilograms during a one-and-a-half-hour race.

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Is Formula 1 Still a Sport?

Formula 1 is one of the most expensive sports. The average price of a racing car exceeds 15 million dollars, and top teams like Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull spend around 400 million dollars annually on car improvements. Mercedes is currently the most successful team and enjoys a winning streak: its drivers have won the championship title for five consecutive years. After the US Grand Prix, reigning Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton secured victory in this season, while Valtteri Bottas secured second place. The main contender for third place in this championship is Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). The Constructors' Cup is a slightly less thrilling competition within the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Fun fact: Top teams can change their car's tires in just 2.5 seconds. The record for the fastest pit stop belongs to Red Bull: the fastest stop took only 1.88 seconds.