Formula 1 for Dummies

To most people, Formula 1 is the Ultimate in motor sport: the best drivers in the world competing in high speed grand prix races on the world's great circuits. Some 30 drivers contest the world championships over 17 races.

The Car

Formula One cars are light, single-seater, open-wheeled vehicles. The body covered with the names of major sponsors - fits over a monocoque (one-piece) chassis.

Points go to the first six in each grand prix: 10-6-4-3-2-1. The driver with most points at the end of the season is the World Champion

Chequered flag marks end of race

Facts

The record number of GP wins in a career is 44, by Frenchman Alain Prost, in 184 races.

The Constructors' Championship, based on the placing of two cars, has been won often by Ferrari (8)

Protective Clothing

Underneath their racing suits, drivers wear fire proof clothing, including a fire-resistant balaclava

Fire Resistant crash Helmet

Heavy duty Fire-Resistant racing suit

GP Circuits

A GP circuit has fast and slow corners to test the drivers' car-handling skills, as well as straight to push the car to the limit.

Formula One Engine

Since 1989, when normally aspirated engines (without turbochargers to force fuel into the cylinders to increase power) became the rule, V10 engines have had most success.