13 things you probably don't know about Formula One

F1 cars are equipped with advanced safety features, including the halo cockpit protection system and various safety systems. Ensuring the safety of drivers is a top priority, and this involves additional costs. In fact, the three-pronged tubular titanium structure that surrounds the cockpit of a Formula 1 car has saved many from accidents including Hamilton himself when he crashed with Max Versteppen at the Saudi Arabian GP.

An ever-growing global fanbase

Credit: Netflix

2/13

F1 boasts a massive global fanbase, with millions of fans following races, attending events, and engaging on social media. It's one of the most-watched motorsports worldwide and is continuously growing over the years. What's more, the sport has also garnered lots of attention and following after Netflix released a series about Formula 1 itself, titled Drive To Survive.

Formula 1 is striving to become a more sustainable sport

Credit: Netflix

3/13

In recent years, F1 has taken steps to become more sustainable. Initiatives include reducing carbon emissions, promoting environmental responsibility, and pushing for more eco-friendly technologies in racing.

Did you know besides F1, there are also other single-seat racing car categories? Held in different parts of the world on public and circuit roads, the drivers and cars are evaluated using a point-based system that determines the best constructors and drivers during the course of the season.

For some, you might think that driving an F1 car involves just steering the wheel and stepping on the accelerator. But that's far from the truth. In fact, most drivers, have up to 25 buttons on their steering wheel which helps them to have control of every aspect of the car.

While many assume that the team is only made up of two drivers, there are, however, about 300 to 1,200 members on each team. Yes, you read that right. Aside from the two main drivers, each team consists of people like the team principal, technical director, race engineers, mechanics, aerodynamicists, data analysts, strategists, team managers, commercial and marketing team and support staff.

An F1 car costs about $12 to $15 million

Credit: Getty Images

7/13

Evidently, the heavy-duty automobiles in Formula One are a lot more advanced than your usual cars. And with a complicated piece of machinery, it’s clear that you’ll need to have the backing of a multi-billion dollar company to participate. Depending on how much the teams are willing to spend on its development, each F1 car can cost up to $12 to $15 million without the basic components. However, recently, F1 implemented team budget caps in 2021 to level the playing field and limit team spending. The current limit is $135 million per team in 2023.

We know, it surely is a hefty sum of money, so you can already imagine how much it would cost if a racecar is involved in a crash.

Here’s a solution to lose those annoying few kilos: be an F1 driver.

Just like any other sport that involves intense physical exertion and the incredibly high G-forces the drivers experience while racing, F1 drivers tend to lose about 2-3kg per race and can rise to 4kg in hotter conditions, such as in races in Singapore. It also doesn't help that these racers have to wear thick, heavy, fireproof race suits and helmets, making the drivers sweat a lot.

F1 drivers aren’t the only ones losing weight; each car tyre loses about 0.5kg per race due to high friction.

F1 pit crews can change tyres in about three seconds

Play

10/13

Pit stops play a major role in every race and each pit crew is trained to change these tyres in no more than three seconds. In fact, the fastest tyre change recorded was at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix when Lando Norris’ tyres were changed in 1.80 seconds.

An F1 race car might look simple on the outside, but it takes a lot of work and resources to come up with one. In fact, according to Sky Sports, the average F1 race car has an average of 80,000 components, of which everything is meticulously pieced together to perform to the highest standards.

Unlike normal cars, the engine of the F1 car can't last more than seven races. Considering the level of precision that goes into building the engines means they're more subject to wear and tear and they are engineered to get the best out of them, even if it means functioning just for a few hours.

As reported by The Telegraph, F1 drivers typically have a hydration system in their cars, supplying them with approximately 1.5 litres of water. This system is connected to their helmets, ensuring that drivers can maintain proper hydration during races. Therefore, it's understandable that the Singapore Grand Prix poses a significant challenge for these drivers due to the demanding combination of high temperatures and humidity levels.