Formula One facts for kids
Formula 1 is a type of motorsport. Teams compete in a series of Grand Prix races, held in different countries around the world. Some of the most popular races are held in Monaco, Japan, Italy and Britain. The cars are very fast. They reach speeds of up to 350 km/ hour (220 mph). The championship has been won by many different teams like. They include McLaren, Ferrari and Williams. Teams can have as many as 600 people. The teams all come together every race weekend. They use the expertise of each member try to win the race. The winning driver and team each get twenty-five points towards the Drivers' and Constructors' Championship. Teams consist of drivers, test drivers, a team principal, mechanics, engineers, and designers. Winning a race is affected by a good starting position, strategy, skill in pitstops and a fast car. The person with the most pole positions (fastest time set in qualifying) during a season gets a trophy. This was added in 2014.
The body that runs Formula One, the FIA. It is based in France. Although Formula One is a 'billion dollar business', a drop in viewership and attendance figures at races has caused the FIA to make rule changes in recent years. These changes are meant to make the races more interesting, so more people watch F1 on television.
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Safety
Drivers are paid large salaries to risk their lives every time they drive an F1 car. Like all types of motor racing, the dangers with Formula One are great. Because of this, there are many safety measures. Drivers wear 4 layers of flameproof overalls. They are made of a fire resistant material called Nomex. A drivers helmet must be able to resist an 800 °C flame for at least 45 seconds. They must also resist large G forces. The helmets are very strong. They can be driven over by trucks with no damage being done to them.
Cars
Carbon fibre is the ideal material for the body of Formula One cars. It is light and strong. Because of this, the cars are very expensive to build and repair. The design of cars differs from team to team. Each team has two entries into the championship. This means that each team must built and maintain two cars . F1 currently uses Pirelli tires Differing weather conditions need different tires. Wet weather driving is considered a skill in Formula One.
In 2021, The specifications of an F1 car is 786kg minimum weight, 18 inch wheels and tires. Engines must be 1.6L V6 turbo hybrid intercooled and must reach higher than 3000rpm. The engine must be 4 stroke (Intake, Compression, Combustion and exhaust) and have a 90 degree angle between the V shape.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Juan Manuel Fangio's 1951 title-winning Alfa Romeo 159
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Stirling Moss's Lotus 18 at the Nürburgring during 1961
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Stefan Johansson driving for Ferrari at the 1985 European Grand Prix
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Damon Hill driving for Williams at the 1995 Canadian Grand Prix
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Bernie Ecclestone, the former Chief executive of the Formula One Group
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Renault returned as a team in 2016 (pictured with Jolyon Palmer)
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Jacques Villeneuve qualifying at the 2005 United States Grand Prix in his Sauber C24
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Ferrari (pictured with Sebastian Vettel) have competed in every season
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Renault (pictured here with Nico Hülkenberg) has had an active role in Formula One as both constructor and engine supplier since 1977
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2005 Canadian Grand Prix: Kimi Räikkönen leading Michael Schumacher, with Jarno Trulli (Toyota) and Takuma Sato (BAR-Honda) fighting for position
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The Autodromo Nazionale Monza, home to the Italian Grand Prix, is the oldest purpose-built track still in use today
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Jenson Button in the Brawn BGP 001
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A BMW Sauber P86 V8 engine, which powered their 2006 F1.06
See also
In Spanish: Fórmula 1 para niños