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Formula One facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Formula 1 is a very exciting type of motorsport. Teams race special cars in a series of events called Grand Prix. These races happen in many different countries around the world. Some famous races are in Monaco, Japan, Italy, and Britain.

The cars are incredibly fast! They can go up to 350 km/hour (220 mph). Many different teams have won the championship over the years. These include famous names like McLaren, Ferrari, and Williams. A single team can have as many as 600 people working together. Everyone uses their skills to help the team win each race.

After each race, the winning driver and team get twenty-five points. These points count towards the Drivers' and Constructors' Championship. Teams are made up of drivers, test drivers, a team boss, mechanics, engineers, and designers. To win a race, you need a good starting spot, a smart plan, fast pitstops, and a super-fast car. Since 2014, the driver who gets the most "pole positions" (the fastest time in qualifying) during a season wins a special trophy.

The organization that runs Formula 1 is called the FIA. It is based in France. Formula 1 is a huge business, worth billions of dollars. However, fewer people have been watching races lately. Because of this, the FIA has made new rules to make the races more exciting. They hope more people will watch F1 on TV again.

Keeping Drivers Safe

Formula 1 drivers are paid a lot of money because they take big risks every time they race. Like all motor racing, Formula 1 can be dangerous. That's why there are many safety rules and features.

Drivers wear special overalls with four layers. These are made from a fire-resistant material called Nomex. This material helps protect them if there's a fire. A driver's helmet is also very strong. It must be able to handle an 800 °C flame for at least 45 seconds. Helmets also need to resist strong G forces. They are so tough that a truck can drive over them without causing damage!

The Amazing F1 Cars

Carbon fibre is the perfect material for building Formula 1 cars. It is both very light and incredibly strong. Because of this, the cars are very expensive to build and fix. Each team designs their cars a bit differently. Every team has two cars entered in the championship. This means they must build and look after two cars.

F1 cars currently use Pirelli tires. Different weather conditions need different types of tires. For example, there are special tires for wet weather. Driving well in the rain is considered a very important skill in Formula 1.

In 2021, F1 cars had to weigh at least 786kg. They also use 18-inch wheels and tires. The engines must be 1.6L V6 turbo hybrid engines. They need to spin faster than 3000rpm. These engines are "4-stroke," meaning they have four steps: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust. The V shape of the engine must have a 90 degree angle.

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Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Fórmula 1 para niños

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