Posted by Formula 1 is the highest level of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. It was sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). Formula 1 began as a world championship competition in 1950. The first race was held on May 13, 1950, at the Silverstone Circuit in the UK.
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The steering wheel of each car has up to 25 buttons
You might wonder that driving a F1 car is solely steering the wheel and stepping on the accelerator. However, that is far from the truth. In fact, most drivers would have up to 25 buttons on their steering wheel which helps them control any aspect of the car.
2. 500 members in a team
Many would assume that a team is only composed of two members. However, there are actually nearly 600 members per team. Aside from the two main drivers, each time has people such as engineering, the crew pit, the chief, PR people, managers and reserve drivers.
3. An F1 car costs about $12.2 million
Obviously, the cars in Formula 1 are much more advanced compared to your usual everyday car. Therefore, with complicated machinery, it’s clear that the price will be expensive as well. It all relies on how much money the team is ready to invest in its growth. Without the fundamental components, each car can cost up to $12.2 million. Teams were allowed to spend $14.5 million in the 2022 season.
4. F1 drivers lose about 2kg – 3kg per race
As like any other rigorous sport, especially one that involves intense physical exertion and incredibly high G-forces the driver experience during racing, F1 drivers tend to lose around 2kg-3kg per raise and can go up to 4kg in hotter climates such as in Singapore. The drivers must also wear thick, heavy, fireproof race suits and helmets making them swear ever more.
5. The tyres lose during the race
Each tyre can lose about 0.5kg per race due to high friction.
6. F1 pit crews can change tyres in 3 seconds
Pit stops play a crucial role in every single race and these pit crew members are trained to change tyres in no more than 3 seconds. In fact, the tyre change ever recorded was done by Redbull’s Sergio Perez. The team got the fastest pit stop this season at the Hungarian Grand Prix with a mere 2.9 seconds on Sergio Perez.
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7. Each car has about 80,000 assembled components
An F1 car may appear simple and straightforward on the exterior, but it requires a significant amount of time and money to construct. According to Sky Sports, the average F1 car has over 80,000 components that are all stitched together to race at the top level.
8. The lifespan of the F1 engine is less than 7 races
Unlike usual cars, the engine of the Formula 1 car can’t last more than seven races. Putting in consideration the level of precision needed to build the engines means that they are more subject to wear and tear. They are also engineered to do the best out of them even if it means that it will only function for a few hours.
9. Each drivers loses about 3 litres during a race
Usually, F1 drivers would have around 1.5 litres of water in the car, which is attached onto the driver’s helmet to keep him hydrated throughout the race. Due to the temperature and humidity of these nations, it comes as no surprise that races in Singapore or Malaysia are difficult for most drivers.