Basic terms of royal races. Rules for the race What is the Constructors' Championship

Or Grand Prix races include free practice, qualifying and racing. The Grand Prix is ​​held for only 3 days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Monaco Grand Prix holds free practice on Thursday. Where did it all begin - .

The season includes approximately from 7 up to 19 Grand Prix races and runs from March to November. One Grand Prix team can field two drivers in qualifying and the race. A third driver may also participate in Friday's free practice, but there will still be only two participating cars.

Free races

According to the rules of Formula 1, free races of 3 sessions are held for training in car control.

• The 1st session takes place on Friday from 10.00 to 11.30.
• The 2nd session also takes place on Friday from 14.00 to 15.30.
• The 3rd session is held on Saturday from 11.00 to 12.00.

Full F1 calendar

Qualification

According to the rules of Formula 1, qualifying races are held on Saturday from 14.00 to 15.00 local time.

• The 1st session takes place from 14.00 to 14.30 with the participation of all riders. The number of circles is arbitrary. Drivers who take the last 7 places are eliminated from the competition for a starting place. They get from 18th to 24th places.
• The 2nd session takes place from 14.27 to 14.42 with free riding. They're out again.
• The 3rd session lasts only 10 minutes with the top 10 participants of the 2nd session from 14.50 to 15.00, also with free riding. The top 10 drivers take first place on the starting grid for the race.
• The amount of fuel in the tanks is unlimited. In qualifying, you must not interfere with other riders during the competition.

Race

After qualifying is over, the top ten cars are left in the park without adjustment or replacement of parts before the start of the race. The next riders after 10 can change tires. All participants change tires if it rains, or vice versa, the puddles dry up.

The race takes place on Sunday. The number of laps has already been clearly established. Distance – at least 305 km, except for the Monaco Grand Prix. Time – no more than 2 hours. If the race is stopped, additional time will be added, but the resulting competition must not exceed 4 hours. Refueling is prohibited. It is allowed to change damaged tires and spare parts. The number of pit stops, that is, forced stops, most often occurs from 1 to 3. Sometimes this leads weak cars to success.

In the pit lane, the speed in the race must be reduced to 100 km per hour, and in free practice and city Grand Prix, the speed is reduced to 60 km per hour.

Formula 1 rules (detailed description)

Sports regulations

The founders of the FIA ​​Formula One World Championship (Formula 1) compiled a set of rules called the Sports Regulations, which set out the provisions for racing, the rights of drivers, and their responsibilities. The stewards of the International Motor Sports Federation monitor strict compliance with the regulations.

Basic provisions

The FIA ​​Formula One World Championship or Formula 1 is an annual world championship competition in open-wheel racing. Formula 1 includes individual stages with Grand Prix status. Champions are determined by points accumulated in the Grand Prix, which are added up at the end of the year. The winner has the highest number of points. Pilots compete for the world championship title, and those who take first place receive the Constructors' Championship.
Race participants who miss the competition for unexcusable reasons pay a fine.

Fireballs

With the light hand of the French, racing cars in the 1980s received their current name - bolides. The Formula 1 rules provide for precise regulations regarding the cars themselves, and not just the form of racing. Each team enters 2 cars of its own design and a driver for the race. Intense competition encourages multiple discoveries of technical innovations.
All cars must meet the technical requirements of the regulations and pass an impact test. The regulations and racing series are under the auspices of the FIA ​​(Federation Internationale de l'Automobile).

If the car's chassis is created by its own designers, then engines can be purchased from different manufacturers.
Today's car is made of carbon fiber with four wheels outside the body. The rear wheels are driven, and the front wheels are driven. The car is controlled by the steering wheel, gas and brake pedals.

The fuel tank is made of a rubberized cylinder and is divided by cells for safety. It is located between the engine and the pilot.
8 and 10 cylinder engines with a volume of 2.4 to 3 liters have a power of up to 770 hp. strength Turbocharging and overloading are not permitted. The maximum allowed is 18,000 rpm.

All cars are equipped with spring suspension. The pilot's seat must be removed along with the pilot himself.
The color and artistic design of cars in one team must be the same. Failure of a car to start or the participation of only one car is punishable by a fine. Each Grand Prix involves 2 drivers from one team.

• The height of the car is no higher than 95 cm or 37.43 inches.
• The width of the car is no more than 180 cm or 70.92 inches.
• Weight with driver – at least 600 kg or 1,322 feet.
• The width of the front wheels is from 30.5 cm or 12.07 inches to 35.5 cm or 13.98 inches.
• The width of the rear wheels is from 36.5 cm or 14.38 inches to 38 cm or 14.97 inches.
• Wheel diameter is no more than 66 cm or 26 inches.

Point system

Drivers and teams receive from 1 to 25 points in the Grand Prix for the first 10 places. Points are awarded as follows: 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. The first three riders rise to the championship podium. The number of points in the race is added to the sum of the points of other races within Formula 1, both for drivers and teams. For reserve pilots, points are credited to their personal account. One team has the right to field up to 4 riders in one season. Each driver must obtain an FIA Super License to participate in the Grand Prix.

In honor of the winning team, the anthem of the country that issued the license to participate in the race is played. In honor of the winning pilot, the anthem of the country that issued the license to the club on whose behalf the pilot is performing is played. The anthem is played once, provided that the countries of the team and the winning pilot match.
These rules may contain inaccuracies at the moment, as certain parts of the regulations sometimes change every season.

Tires

Tires for Formula 1 are supplied by only one company, Pirelli. The use of only one supplier is due to reduced development and testing costs. During the 3-day race, the pilots have at their disposal 11 sets of tires of two specifications for dry weather, 3 sets of rain tires and 4 sets of intermediate tires.

The specification of tires for dry weather can be determined by the side parts of the wheels, where inscriptions of the corresponding color are applied. This allows you to immediately see if the rules of the race have been violated.

• Red color – super – soft tires
• Yellow color – soft tires.
• White color – medium tires.
• Orange color – hard tires.

Riders are required to use both hard and soft categories of tires in competition.

Rider safety

After the tragic death of a driver in 1994, the rules of Formula 1 changed slightly and the cars began to be equipped with safety measures. The sides of the hull were raised and roll bars were installed behind the cockpit. Clothes and shoes for racers are made of non-flammable materials. A special head and neck protection system is used.
In 5 seconds, the pilot must have time to remove the seat belts, the steering wheel and jump out of the car, and then put the steering wheel back in place in 5 seconds.

Safety car

A safety car or pace car is used in cases of physical danger to drivers, spectators, and other persons when it is impossible to stop the race.

If necessary, a safety car with flashing orange signals leaves the pit lane and enters the track. Marshals display yellow flags and signs with the inscription "SC". All drivers must slow down and line up behind the safety car at a considerable distance.
Overtaking is prohibited at this time, except for direct instructions to the pilot to overtake the safety car. If any vehicle experiences an unexpected deceleration, overtaking is also permitted. You can overtake cars that have not yet left the pit lane until it crosses the second line of the first line of the safety car. Or cars entering the pit lane after crossing the first line of the first line of the safety car. It is allowed to overtake a car standing in the pit lane.

If there are other drivers on the track between the leader and the safety car, they must overtake the safety car at the green signal and join the end of the general group for the next lap. If the track is partially blocked, the safety car may drive through the pit lane. After the threat to human health and life has been completely eliminated, the safety car turns off the orange lights, leaves the track at the end of the lap and enters the pits. The traffic lights turn green, green flags are displayed and the race resumes.

Stopping the race

Formula 1 rules allow you to stop the Grand Prix. If the race needs to be suspended, the traffic lights turn red, the marshals raise red flags and the exit from the pit lane is blocked. The drivers take their places on the starting grid in the appropriate order. Cars that were unable to approach the red flag line due to obstacles on the track will continue after the track has been cleared in the same order as before the stop.

When stopping on the track, pilots act according to the instructions of the marshals. The resumption of the race is similar to the start behind the safety car. All cars on the grid ahead of the leader must complete a lap without overtaking and enter the grid behind the other cars.
If the race is stopped with 2 unfinished laps, the start is considered invalid.

If 2 or more completed laps are stopped, but less than 75% of the total laps, the start is resumed in the order the cars were before the race was stopped. Stopping the race after 75% of laps is considered the end of the race. Each car's performance is determined by its position before the stop signal.

Classification

Drivers receive classification if they have not been disqualified and completed at least 90% of the leader's laps. Moreover, the invoice is rounded down. Classification is the only official result of the Grand Prix. For example, if the winner drove 70 laps, then the drivers who completed 63 or more laps (70 x 0.9 = 63) will be classified. The more laps completed, the higher the place the pilot occupies. If the number of laps is the same, the highest place is taken by the one who took the least time. The first three winning drivers and a representative from the champion team receive trophies.

Formula 1 flags

1. The checkered flag is the end of the race.
2. Red flag – Stop the race.
3. Black flag – Disqualification of the rider.
4. Flag of black and white triangles - Warning to the rider.
5. A black flag with an orange circle in the center is a message to the driver about the danger of the technical condition of his car.
6. Yellow single flag - an order to reduce speed and prohibit overtaking due to danger.
7. Yellow double flag - an order to reduce speed and prohibit overtaking, as well as to be ready to stop.
8. A flag with yellow and red stripes indicates deterioration of wheel adhesion to the road surface due to rain or spilled oil.
9. Green flag - end of danger. Resumption of movement.
10. White flag – a slow car is driving along the highway.
11. The blue flag is a sign to the pilot whom they want to overtake.

Sports regulations for start and finish

Placing cars on the starting grid

• The starting positions with lines form the starting grid, on which the cars are lined up in 2 columns.
• The distance between positions is 8 m.
• From 18 to 24 positions go to the drivers who took the same places in the 1st session of the qualifying races.
• Positions 11 to 17 go to the drivers who took the same places in the 2nd session of the qualifying races.
• From 1 to 10 positions go to the riders who took the same places in the 3rd session of the qualifying races.
• Of two drivers who set the same time in any session, preference is given to the driver who set that time earlier.
• The best position is given to the riders who started but did not finish the fastest lap.
• Next, the riders who started but did not finish the warm-up lap take positions.
• If more than 1 rider competes for one place, it will be taken in numerical order.
• Immediately before the race, penalties are imposed in the order in which the technical delegates received information from the teams about violations.

Preparing for the start

• In 30 min. Before the start, after the opening of the pit lane, racing cars take their corresponding places on the starting grid. The engines are turned off. The driver can do a few laps to familiarize himself, but he cannot skip the starting grid.
• In 17 min. siren sounds. So in 2 minutes. The pit lane will be closed.
• In 15 min. The pit lane is closed before the start. Then a second signal sounds. A car that has not left the pit lane starts after the first lap of the peloton (the entire group of riders). The starting traffic light with 5 pairs of red signals turns on.
• In 10 min. Before the start, a signal sounds and the scoreboard turns on. Everyone leaves the starting grid except the drivers, mechanics and officials.
• In 5 min. Before the start, a signal sounds, the 1st pair of red lamps goes out. The countdown begins. Cars not on wheels by this time will start from the pit stop or from the farthest point of the starting grid.
• In 3 min. The siren sounds before the start. Pilots must wear seat belts. The second pair of red signals turns off.
• In 1 min. A sound signal is given before the start. The 3rd pair of red lamps turns off. The technicians leave the starting grid before the 15 second buzzer sounds. The engines must be running.
• A signal will sound 15 seconds before the start. Only 1 pair of red lamps left. If any car has problems, the driver raises his hand and marshals stand behind him with yellow flags to warn other drivers.

Start

For the start of the Grand Prix, the rules of Formula 1 have their own nuances. The last red lights go out. 2 green lights turn on, then the cars for 30 seconds. go into a warm-up circle, after which the green signals go out.

After driving through the warm-up circle, the cars return to their original starting places with the engines running. Within 5 sec. All pairs of red lamps light up in turn. A second later they all go out simultaneously and the race begins.

• A false start is punishable by a 10-second pit stop penalty. or entering the pit lane.
• If the start is cancelled, the green traffic lights will turn on. The car with problems is rolled back to the pit lane after the others have left for a warm-up lap again.
  Orange flashing lights are turned on if the start needs to be delayed after the cars have already started the warm-up lap but have not yet started the race.
• If it started raining 5 minutes before. before the start, the start is postponed indefinitely, or while the tires are being replaced.
• If it rains, but the start is not cancelled, then the safety car will go in front of the car, and the test lap will be cancelled.
• The race may be stopped due to weather or other conditions.

Finish

According to Formula 1 rules, in order to finish the race, the leader is shown the checkered flag. The pilots following him also finish the race and leave for the park.

If the checkered flag is shown prematurely, the race is still considered over, and the driver is credited with the results of the previous lap.

If the display of the flag is delayed, the race is also considered over, and the driver, as in the previous case, is credited with the results of the penultimate lap.

Many fans of watching Formula 1 races do not know for sure what exactly the rules of these races include. The definition of the sport in question has a technical and general side.

In the first case, Formula 1 is a list of technical norms, as well as requirements and rules in accordance with which the world championship is organized and held. The rules are corrected, supplemented and amended by the International Automobile Federation - FIA. It serves as the main governing body for all racing sports at the world level. The rules of the competition are, first of all, aimed at maximizing the safety of pilots, racing participants, and fans in the stands. In addition, the priority is to ensure the development of motorsport so that racing does not look like an elite and exotic sport.

In general terms, the discipline in question is the World Circuit Racing Championship. Its draw takes place every year and consists of stages or Grand Prix. Based on the results of each season, winning places are awarded in individual and group competitions. The leader in the individual ranking receives the honorary title of world champion, and the team receives the Constructors' Championship.

Peculiarities

The racing discipline in question with centralized scoring has been held since the fifties of the last century.

Formula 1 belongs to the world elite among circuit racing. Because of this, she is often called the “Queen of Motor Sports.” Racing drivers who have reached the top in this discipline are known throughout the world community.

The worldwide popularity of auto racing is due to several reasons:

1. The most modern developments and technical innovations in Formula 1 make its cars the fastest cars, taking into account the restrictions established by special regulations;
2. This sport is one of the most expensive on the planet. Teams and their sponsors spend tens, if not hundreds of millions annually, a significant portion of which goes towards hefty driver fees;
3. All-encompassing popularity. In different parts of the world, tens of millions of fans watch each Grand Prix, and hundreds of thousands of fans are present on the tracks.

Below are the basic principles on which the “Queen of Motorsport” is based.

Calendar

Formula 1 has its own calendar, consisting of several races (Grand Prix). They are held in completely different countries, where there is a suitable track equipped in accordance with all the requirements of the rules. The average number of stages is from 15 to 20 per year. The first race is traditionally carried out in March, the last stage ends in mid-autumn.

The World Racing Championship calendar is developed by the FIA ​​and published 12 months before the start of the next season. The owners of the circuits personally draw up agreements with representatives of Formula 1 to host the Grand Prix. It is not surprising that hosting a stage of the world famous race significantly enhances the status of the circuit.

The Grand Prix

One team can enter a maximum of two pilots for each stage. The seasonal limit on riders for each team is four people.

Grand Prix are divided into several disciplines, namely:

1. Free practice. The session consists of three games. Two of them, an hour and a half long, take place on Thursday or Friday, the third hour-long series starts on Saturday morning. These races are aimed at preparing pilots and teams for the next stages. In fact, you are getting acquainted with the track, adjusting the car settings and selecting a suitable strategy;
2. Qualification. This series of races is designed to determine the starting positions of the pilots in the race. The series in question consists of three parts: 20, 15 and 10 minutes each. All racers participate in the first race, the second part awaits the best 16 pilots. The following leaders from 1st to 10th places go through the third series. The winner of qualifying takes pole position, which means he starts the race from first place;
3. The race is the final and most important stage of any Grand Prix. Sunday is usually chosen as the day for it. At the starting position, all competitors line up on the straight line in an order determined by qualifying results and penalties. On average, the length of the race is 300 kilometers, and the number of laps ranges from 50 to 70. The rules stipulate that refueling of the racing car is not allowed during the race. Also, all drivers are required to make at least one pit stop. This is due to the fact that according to the regulations, two types of tires must be used during the race.

Start and finish

Before the racers start, the red lights go out, two green traffic lights turn on, the cars go for a half-minute warm-up lap, after which the green lights go out. Cars line up at starting positions with their engines running. All pairs of red light elements flash for five seconds. After a second, they are simultaneously deactivated, indicating the start of the race.

A false start may result in a 10-second pit stop. If the start is cancelled, the red lights turn on. Flashing orange lights indicate that the start is being delayed when the cars are warming up but have not yet entered the race. Due to weather conditions, the start may be delayed indefinitely, for example if it rains 5 minutes before the start of the race.

The leading Formula 1 driver finishes after waving the checkered flag. The riders following him also finish the race and go to a special park to rest. If the flag is shown earlier or later than expected, the race is considered completed and the athlete is awarded the results of the penultimate lap.

The colors of the flags used during the race are varied; each shade has its own meaning (from indicating danger on the track to issuing a warning to the racer).

In order to enhance safety, a modern Formula 1 race is additionally equipped with emergency and safety systems. The cars are equipped with safety bars, the sides of the body are made more elevated, and the driver's equipment consists of non-flammable materials. A special design for protecting the cervical and head region is used. To jump out of the car in an emergency, the pilot is given 5 seconds, during which he must have time to remove the steering wheel, seat belts, and then put the steering wheel back in place in the same time.

Predictions for tennis games: advice from tennis tipsters

The most difficult to predict in advance in tennis matches are...

Already today, Formula 1 bosses are concerned about what racing cars will look like by 2021, which they spoke about at a press conference held in Singapore. Currently, these are only proposals and design ideas, which, after discussions, approvals and examinations, have yet to be included in the new technical regulations for the championship. Therefore, the illustrations shown are today’s vision of the appearance of cars, which may change significantly before the new rules take effect. But some principles implemented in the new cars will remain with any changes to the regulations.

Work on sketches of new cars has been going on for more than a year. This led to some of the drawings being leaked online when they were shown at a workshop. It was attended by ordinary fans, who became the culprits for the appearance of information on the network, which became known to the general public. Therefore, Liberty Media decided that the 2018 Singapore Grand Prix is ​​the ideal moment to demonstrate updated ideas to everyone who is interested in the development of F1. Sports director Ross Brown held this seminar for young people dreaming of becoming engineers. It covered the basics of technical, design, scientific principles of the latest technologies used in F1. As soon as he displayed a drawing of the updated car on the screen, mobile phone cameras immediately started working. This was a signal that soon the entire Internet would be full of drawings with the updated design of the cars, and it was decided to declassify it.

Design update

In his speech, Ross clearly stated that Liberty Media pays special attention to the exterior design of new cars. From 2021, the cars will look more dynamic and attractive, but the main goal of the update is to increase interest in F1 racing by intensifying contact combat while complying with all safety requirements. According to the current technical regulations, the chassis is designed in such a way that overtaking on any track is extremely difficult, since it is very difficult for cars to drive closely one after another; a car chasing another car loses about 50% of its downforce due to entering the turbulence zone.

“One of the main goals we set for ourselves,” Ross said, “was to improve the car’s grip during the race and the ability to approach at high speed without compromising performance over distances of one to three lengths.”

Cars with equal technical characteristics will still not be able to fight on equal terms, due to the reduction in downforce of the overtaking car. At the same time, due to constant steering, its tires wear out much more, worsening the position of the catching up pilot. According to the developers of the new design, it allows you to lose not half, but only 20% of the downforce when approaching before overtaking, which is a real breakthrough and will make the racing much more interesting. But to do this, it was necessary to reduce the overall downforce of all cars, after reworking the bottom and wings.

Speed ​​of new cars

The current management of Formula 1 is doing everything to increase the speed of the cars. Successful work in this direction is evidenced by constantly updated lap records at all circuits where the Championship Grand Prix is ​​held. The new approach of reducing downforce should result in longer average lap times and slower cars. According to Brown, this will not be a problem, since modern cars reach maximum speeds and become difficult to control, reducing the overall safety of auto racing, which management does not intend to allow. Assessing the speeds of future cars, Ross said that the 2021 cars will be somewhat inferior to modern ones, but the races should remain spectacular. Although this is a small step back, it will equalize the opportunities of poor and rich teams, and in the long term will cause a new leap in technology growth and improved results.

Brown noted:

“Experience shows that a decrease in downforce does not cause critical problems; the decrease in maximum speed on classic tracks was liked by the racers. But the problem on ovals is solved in other ways.”

Open wheel problem

For many years now there has been a debate about the openness of cockpits and wheels on Formula 1 cars. Developers of new concepts have not remained on the sidelines of this topic, offering their own solutions. Brown explained that the main problem that the developers were trying to solve was reducing the intensity of turbulent flows from rapidly rotating wheels. These problems are solved by structural elements applied to the wheels, which will probably appear in 2021. The fact is that the open cockpit and wheels are the hallmark of the car and no one wants to radically change its appearance. But it is precisely these areas that bring the greatest problems to aerodynamicists due to strong turbulence in the area of ​​​​wheel rotation and the peculiarities of the cockpit design. Today, engineers and designers are trying to find solutions that allow them not to cover the wheels completely (as in) in order to leave the cars with a familiar appearance. At the same time, such elements, reducing turbulence, will leave the air aerodynamically “clean”, simplifying the movement of the pursuing car, significantly facilitating overtaking, making the racing more attractive for the viewer. According to Brown, such fairings serve only aerodynamic functions and do not provide additional protection against possible contacts between cars in the race. Therefore, the elements that may be installed on new cars will not become an integral part of its design and will not significantly change its behavior on the race track.

Indycar, where such solutions were implemented, shows that installing full fairings is not an effective solution; it was quickly abandoned. Formula 1 has small fairings behind the rear of the tire that cut and calm the powerful air currents “flying out” from under the wheels without disturbing the open-wheel effect.

Design elements

All Formula 1 fans know that changes in technical requirements do not always increase the popularity of racing and worsen the performance of cars. Suffice it to recall very recent stories that led to unexpected technical solutions, such as:

• "Shark Fins"
• T-wings
• Head protection system – HALO

But the most memorable aerodynamic elements are the ugly front fairings mounted on the nose of the cars. Their thin tips looked exceptionally disgusting, scaring off even longtime F1 fans. The new regulations may result in the car's exterior being damaged, although in theory this should not happen. It is not excluded that the 2021 teams will use non-standard aerodynamic technical solutions that do not contradict the requirements that sacrifice appearance in favor of efficiency.

Brown knows very well how the “windows” left in the technical rules are used, because it was his team that became the champion in 2009 after installing a double diffuser, which their opponents did not do. The Formula 1 boss said that teams will not have such opportunities. The updated standards are being developed by a group of professionals who should not leave ambiguous interpretations and team designers will work exactly in the direction indicated by the requirements. One way or another, even the best specialists will not be able to perfectly calculate all the nuances of the regulations, so elements such as the 2009 double diffuser cannot be ruled out. The F1 management, as before, reserves the right to promptly respond to the occurrence of such situations. In addition, there is an active and productive dialogue with the participating teams. The situation will definitely change before the championship, as cooperation between teams will be replaced by fierce competition, leading to the curtailment of the negotiation process.

Approval of regulations

At first glance, it seems that the preparation began very early. But team representatives say such changes will take a long time, so they should learn about the new norms as early as possible. According to Brown, work to approve the updated requirements is being carried out quickly and everything will be completed at the end of the 2019 championship. If this process is delayed too much, then teams with large budgets will have a decisive advantage, which will reduce interest in the championship. Management understands this very well, so new standards will be presented as early as possible. Obviously, larger teams have a better financial position, resource and production base, and richer experience. Only the early announcement of the new rules will help to somewhat level the playing field by giving poor teams more time to prepare and finding solutions to close the gap with the rich stables.

Formula 1 quickly and confidently burst into the lives of Azerbaijani sports fans and ordinary people.

Our country has already successfully held two Grand Prix as part of the most popular and spectacular auto racing on the planet, has received recognition from international experts as a reputable organizer and is preparing to repeat its success for the 3rd time in April.

However, despite massive PR, detailed media coverage and publicly available information, many ordinary people, and not only local ones, did not understand what the “Queen of Motorsport” is and what is the secret of her incredible popularity?

We will try to explain this as clearly as possible, so that the tricky terminology of Formula 1 stops scaring you, and you can feel the atmosphere of one of the largest sporting competitions in existence.

What is Formula 1?

This is a circuit racing competition, which was first started in 1950. From the very first races, these races caused unprecedented excitement among spectators and media representatives. Spectacular and dangerous, they immediately became an object of general interest, and outstanding pilots driving “outlandish” cars became heroes of their time.

F1 acquired the status of “Royal Racing” after the executive director Bernie Ecclestone took the helm Formula One Management, which had all the rights to the racing championship. It was Ecclestone who turned Formula 1 into a large-scale business and a world-class brand.

However, in September 2016, an American company bought all rights Liberty Media, now runs everything Chase Carey, and Bernie, although he is one of the richest 87-year-old people on the planet, is no longer legally connected with his brainchild. The Englishman only had the nominal status of honorary president of F1.

However, this is a long and complicated story, which cannot be described briefly, and it is not at all necessary to know it in depth in order to enjoy spectacular racing.

How is the championship held?

Here you just need to visualize the process a little and it will not be difficult for you to understand the principle by which pilots and teams compete.

So, the cycle of all races in Formula 1 is called world championship and is held every year.
It includes Grand Prix stages in each of the participating cities on the racing calendar. At the moment, there are 21 cities on the calendar - Baku has been listed among them for the third year now.

For the first 10 places in the main race, drivers and teams receive points according to the system 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1, from first place to last in the top ten.

The world champion and the winning team of the constructors' championship are determined by the number of points earned.

What is the principle of the Grand Prix?

Here you will have to delve more carefully into the essence, but in order to competently root for your favorite racers, it’s worth it.

So, the Grand Prix consists of three competitive days, each of which has its own meaning.

On Friday free races are held - pilots study the track, get used to weather conditions, turns, set up their cars, adjusting them to the track. In a word, this day is meant for training.

Free races consist of three sessions, that is, three “run-ins” of the track. Two of them take place on Friday and last approximately an hour and a half, and on Saturday, before qualifying, a third session is held, lasting about an hour.
Drivers who do not complete at least one lap during free practice are not allowed to participate in the main race.

Saturday For F1 drivers it is more stressful and responsible. It's all about what happens on this day qualification, based on the results of which the pilots’ places on the starting grid on the day of the main race are determined. That is, on Saturday it is decided whether the driver will start first or, say, tenth.

The principle of qualification is quite simple - riders spend 3 sessions of 18, 15 and 12 minutes for elimination.

IN first All 20 pilots participate in the race, of which only 15 who showed the best time will be able to take part in the second session.

In second In the race, 5 more riders are eliminated according to the same principle.

IN third session, only 10 pilots compete among themselves, among whom those who start from first, second, third and subsequent positions on Sunday are identified. The one who shows the best time at the end of the race becomes the winner of the qualification.

There is an important point that many ignorant viewers do not understand. The driver who wins qualifying does not necessarily win the main race. He only wins the most advantageous position for himself at the start, which gives him a certain advantage. However, often the winners of the Grand Prix are pilots who did not even start from the first positions. Everything is decided by skill, the readiness of the car, sometimes the weather, and even more often - His Majesty chance.

On Sunday During the main race, the Grand Prix winner is determined. Drivers drive a predetermined number of laps, based on the length of the circuit. The minimum distance that racers must cover cannot be less than 305 km, and the race itself cannot last longer than two hours.

Race weekend.

This is the simple name for all the action that unfolds in front of the spectators during the above-mentioned 3 days of competition. But Formula 1 is not only about the race and the drivers. This is also a huge layer of fans for whom these 3 days become a place for family recreation and interesting pastime.
Entertainment and a concert program for spectators, which is provided by most Grand Prix organizers, have long become an integral highlight of the Formula 1 stages.

The Baku fan zone and world stars who come here to perform for F1 fans always cause a special stir among visitors to the racing weekend.

Fireballs

The cars that the racers drive are complex and the most modern designs in the world of motorsport. Advanced technologies and innovative solutions in the automotive world are first reflected in Formula 1 cars. Chassis, electronics, engines, aerodynamics, tires, steering wheels - every element here is a piece of engineering art.

To describe the characteristics of these racing “spaceships”, a separate extensive material is needed, but it is possible to clearly show what leap in modernization the cars have been making over all these decades:

And this is how the steering wheels were modified:

The main item of racing equipment has also undergone significant changes:

Trails

All Formula 1 tracks are divided into city and motor racing tracks. In Azerbaijan, the Baku City Curcuit is an urban track, or, as they are also called, a street track. The other two city circuits are Monaco and Singapore, while all other tracks on the F1 calendar are circuits.

Different routes have different configurations and lengths.

Pilots

There are currently 10 teams in Formula 1. Each team has 2 main pilots who participate in all races. The nationality of the pilots does not matter, only their professional skills matter. That’s why the German Mercedes, for example, has British and Finnish drivers.

By the way, at the end of the Grand Prix, during the award ceremony, the anthem of the winner’s country is played first, and then the anthem of the country that his team represents.

What is a personal score?

The personal classification is the number of points that are awarded to drivers during the championship. It is these points that ultimately decide the fate of the world title. Pilots compete not only with drivers from other teams, but also with their teammates.

What is the Constructors' Championship?

Constructors, that is, Formula 1 teams, also compete with each other and receive points scored by both pilots. At the end of the season, points are calculated and the team with the most points wins the Constructors' Championship.

The important point here is that the rivalry among themselves, even between racers from the same team, ultimately, one way or another, benefits the team they represent.

What is the success of the popularity of Formula 1?

Of course, this auto racing didn’t get the royal title just like that. The fact that a large number of countries are literally queuing up for the right to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix speaks for itself. The thing is that F1 is an expensive, successful, profitable and spectacular sport with its own long-standing traditions and an impressive fan base. Becoming the host country of one of its stages is an honor and a valuable addition to the image.

In addition, F1 was able to do the almost impossible - along with its high popularity, it remained a closed community of selected high masters of racing piloting, teams with exorbitant budgets and, most importantly, true motorsport fans.

We hope that this material will help you better understand this world of high speeds, the latest technologies and highly modernized cars that can captivate and endlessly surprise.

Farida Rasulova

While teams and drivers celebrate Christmas, for those who have recently joined the ranks of Formula 1 fans, we present a glossary of basic terms that will help you better understand aspects of racing.

Aerodynamics is the study of air flow around a car. Aerodynamics plays the most important role, large flows of air masses press the car to the track surface, so the driver can take turns more confidently. The higher the downforce, the greater the speed and stability of the car in corners.

Wing - provide not lift, but downforce, which allows you to take turns at higher speeds

Apex - the closest point where the car is in the turn to the inner edge of the track

Aerodynamic tube- an installation used to artificially simulate the flow of air around a car

Aerodynamic bag- a rarefied stream of air from the car in front, into which the car behind gets caught at maximum approach

Ballast - additional weight of the car

Brake balance - change in percentage of braking force between front and rear brakes

Earplugs - headphones for radio communication

Boxing is the garage of the Formula 1 team. Premises located in the pit lane, in which cars are located during the Grand Prix, as well as all team equipment is stored

Grand Slam - winning qualification, race, fastest lap and leading from start to finish

Fast lap - the best lap set by a driver during the race

Water radiator- serves to cool water, which performs the function of engine cooling

Outer radius - the path that passes closer to the outside of the turn

Inner radius- trajectory passing closer to the inside of the turn

Exhaust manifolds- serve to remove exhaust gases from the engine

Radiator air duct- lightweight carbon fiber ducts through which air from the air intake reaches the radiators. To increase the area of ​​the cooled surface, the radiator is installed diagonally relative to the axis of the machine. On dusty or dirty routes, a protective grille is specially placed at the air duct inlet

Upper air intake and air filter- the air intake takes the air flow above the rider's head and directs it to the engine power system. The filter cleans this flow from foreign particles

Air intake- a special hole used to intake air to cool the engine. There are also air intakes for brake cooling

gravel trap- located outside the track and serves to reduce the speed of the car as much as possible when leaving the track

Grand Prix is ​​a big prize. The name of the World Championship stage.

Dirty trajectory- part of the track outside the knurled trajectory of the cars

The engine is the most important part of the car - the “heart” of the car. Eight cylinders, 2.4 displacement, more than 800 horsepower and approximately 43 - 53 kg of fuel per 93 km. The cylinder block is cast from aluminum alloy, the crankshaft is steel, and the connecting rods are made of titanium. More than 19500 rpm

Deflector - an aerodynamic element designed to regulate the air flow in front of the side air intake

Bottom and diffuser- the bottom provides up to 21% of downforce, and the diffuser - up to 19%

Rain tires - rain racing tires with a special tread pattern

Double - two cars from the same team finishing in the first two places

Safety bar- an arc over the rider’s head, which serves to protect the head, the design and strength of which are clearly regulated

Visor - helmet glass covering the rider's face

Indoor park - a room for keeping all cars after qualifying until the start of the race

Oversteer- an effect during which the wheels of the car turn at a greater angle than set by the steering wheel

Carbon - carbon fiber

Qualifying - determining the positions of the riders on the starting field before the race.

The cockpit is the part of the car in which the driver himself is located. The pilot should be as comfortable as possible, because the cockpit is very cramped, and you have to stay there for more than one hour. In the event of an accident, the cockpit must protect the pilot as much as possible

Controlled (controlled) drift- passing a turn with all wheels stalled, during which the pilot fully controls the movement of the car

Classification - a list of all drivers who finished the race. Also, the pilot will be classified if he is no more than 10% behind the race leader

Ground clearance - the clearance between the road surface and the bottom of the car

Race Commissioner - a person who monitors the implementation of FIA rules during the Grand Prix

Designer - manufacturer, team.

Circle - a pilot who is overtaken by a circle or more

Crash test - test of the strength of the car's structure in accordance with technical regulations

Constructors' Cup- played between teams participating in the World Championship

Keel - the front part of the car's underbody

Marshal - marshals are located around the track, their responsibilities include taking care of safety: evacuating cars from dangerous areas, warning pilots with flags about obstacles and dangers on the track

Mechanic - performs the function of repairing the car and replacing some parts during pit stops and tests

Wet tires - tires for wet road surfaces. If the rain is not yet heavy, then you can safely install this type

Monocoque - load-bearing structure weighing 43 kg. All other components of the machine are attached to the monocoque

Motorhome is a mobile “house on wheels” in which the team’s press center is located during the Grand Prix, as well as a canteen, gym, recreation room and everything necessary for the team during the GP

N

Understeer- an effect during which the wheels of a car turn at a smaller angle than that set by the steering wheel

The fairing is an important element of aerodynamics, serving to smoother air flow.

Bumper - a fence made of steel tape that prevents the car from flying off the track

Points zone - the area in which the driver receives points at the end of the race. Currently from 1st to 10th

Paddock - located behind the pit lane, the place where the teams' motorhomes are located and where the drivers communicate with the press

Peleton - all the cars on the track

Pit lane is the section of the track along which cars approach the pits. The speed in the pit lane is limited (on narrow tracks - 80 km/h, on wide tracks - 100 km/h

Pit stop - a driver stops in the pits to change tires

Pontoon - located behind the front wheels, serves to stabilize the car when turning

Curb - a striped curb along the outer or inner turning radius

Pole position (usually called pole position)- position of the first pilot at the start of the race

Warm-up circle- one lap before the start of the race. This is done to warm up the tires and brakes.

Intermediate tires- used in light rain, as well as on drying roads

Pseudo-slick - rubber with a reverse tread pattern

Bubbling - overheating of rubber due to which the tire begins to disintegrate

A pace car is a safety car that moves in front of the field if the race is suspended. Before the pilots leave for a warm-up lap, the pace car drives a lap to check the safety of the track.

Suspension - three-link design. The levers are made of carbon fiber and titanium. Has non-adjustable geometry

Regulations - a list of the main rules approved by the FIA

Restart - restart of the race

Steering wheel - pilot's steering wheel

WITH

Free races- races where drivers can set up their cars for qualifying and the race

Slicks are tires with a smooth and sticky surface designed for dry roads. Provides maximum wheel grip on the road.

Rear axle failure- stalling of the rear wheels of the car, in which the pilot has to come to level the car

Starting grid- markings on the track surface where pilots take their places corresponding to the qualification results

Steward - his duties: fines, checking cars after qualifying and after the race

T

Test pilot - a pilot involved in test work in a team, also the third pilot of the team in case of absence of one of the main pilots

Technical regulations- a list of strict restrictions that all cars must comply with

Trajectory - the path along which the car moves

The brake disc is the most important element of the braking system. The discs heat up to 1850 degrees when the car brakes

Wing angle of attack- the angle at which the wing is turned relative to the air flow

Carbon fiber- stronger than steel, since 2004 50% of the car is made of carbon fiber, and the other 50% of fiber carbon

False start - the car moves before the traffic lights go out

FOM (FOM) is Bernie Ecclestone's company, which owns the commercial rights to Formula 1

FIA - International Automobile Federation

Flags - with the help of flags the necessary information is transmitted to the rider

Flag colors and their meaning:

Green flag - end of the danger zone
Red flag – complete stop of the race
Blue flag - behind the car that is a lap ahead
White flag - very slow car ahead
Yellow flag - danger on the road
Striped yellow-red flag - there is a dangerous situation on the track, this could be oil, debris, gravel, or rain if it falls on one section of the track
Black flag - pilot disqualification
Checkered flag - finish

Hat-trick - won qualifying, race, fastest lap in the race

Clean air - air flow that has not been disturbed by recently passing traffic

Chassis - the engine, suspension, aerodynamic elements are installed on the chassis

Chicane - a sharp turn or sequence of turns designed to slow a car

Hairpin - turn with a radius of 180 degrees

Headquarters - team base

Aileron - aerodynamic element

Esca - S-turn