Formula 1, often abbreviated as F1, is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seater formula racing cars. It is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l\“Automobile （FIA）. The F1 World Championship has been one of the premier forms of racing around the world since its inaugural season in 1950.
The word formula in the name refers to the set of rules to which all participants\“ cars must conform. A Formula One season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, which take place worldwide on purpose-built circuits and public roads.
The results of each race are combined to determine two annual World Championships: one for drivers, the other for constructors. Drivers must hold valid Super Licences, the highest class of racing licence issued by the FIA.
The cars are the fastest regulated road-course racing cars in the world, owing to very high cornering speeds achieved through the generation of large amounts of aerodynamic downforce. Much of this downforce is generated by front and rear wings, which have the side effect of causing severe turbulence behind each car. The turbulence reduces the downforce generated by the cars following directly behind, making it hard to overtake.
Major changes to the cars for the 2022 season have been made with the aim of reducing the turbulence and making overtaking easier. The engines, which have been limited to a maximum of 15,000 rpm since 2014, are now some of the most efficient in the world, achieving over 50% thermal efficiency.
Formula One is a global television spectacle, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the races. The sport is also a significant economic force, with teams spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year to compete at the highest level. |
