In addition to the thrill of watching Formula 1 races, there are facts about the sport that both fans and people who don’t know much about Fthe sport can appreciate.
The history of the world-famous motorsport begins in 1950. Then the world championship of Formula 1 car racing was inaugurated, and today it remains as enjoyable as it was then.
The foundation of Formula 1 is in Europe. However, it consists of racing series in several countries worldwide on public roads and circuits, depending on the type of race. In addition to the expensive nature of Formula 1 racing, race fans and those not interested in the sport are interested in other essential facts.
Today, however, these races are famous around the world. Even there are games on the theme of F1, where getting the best casino bonus is quite realistic.
Mario Andretti once said: “The demand for Formula One is far greater than it can satisfy.” It is an incredible sport.
Let’s take a quick look at some amazing facts about F1 racing, which relate to:
- The main characteristics of the cars;
- F1 drivers;
- Racing teams.
F1 cars can accelerate from 0 to 160 kilometers per hour and brake to zero within 4 seconds
It’s shocking how F1 cars can accelerate so quickly from 0 to 160 kilometers per hour, but what’s more impressive is how they can go back to zero in 4 seconds. That’s why F1 race drivers get a lot of training, which helps them brake sharply when approaching corners. Remember, F1 racing is a game of time and speed simultaneously.
The average cost of a car is $7 million.
F1 cars are not bought; they are built for millions of dollars. Although companies don’t always give an exact price, the approximate cost is around $7 million. This approximate cost does not include design costs. Their price changes every year as design rules change.
Brake discs can reach 1,000 degrees Celsius
Brake discs in Formula One race cars can heat up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, comparable to molten lava’s temperature. This feat of brake discs was considered entirely impossible years ago, and what engineers are now working on can be mind-boggling.
The engine won’t start when it’s cold
Many F1 race engineers have concluded that it’s impossible to crank F1 pistons when the engine is cold. So that’s why they are always preheated before they hit the track. For the same reason, many cars have external motors and gearbox heater pumps continuously at operating temperature.
Each car consists of 80,000 components.
A Formula 1 race car has more than 80,000 assembled components. While these components are many, they require the highest level of precision in their assembly. Each of these components plays an important role; if it is not fixed well, the car may not run correctly.
An F1 engine can’t run more than five races
F1 Technical states that an F1 car engine cannot last more than five races, no matter how sophisticated. These engines are not so conventional and are designed to have a very high level of tolerance so that they work at their best, even if they can only run five races.
An F1 driver loses four pounds per race
For people who love cars and auto racing, F1 racing is one of the best ways to lose weight. Unbearable cockpit temperatures are the main reason drivers tend to lose up to 4 pounds per race.
Tires lose up to 0.5 kg per race
Riders lose weight per race, and tires also lose up to 0.5 kilograms per race. But, of course, high speeds, hard braking, and many other factors contribute to tire weight loss. That’s why tires need to be as high-quality as the car itself for optimum performance.
F1’s helmet is one of the world’s toughest
Considering that many injuries and accidents during a race involve the neck and head, the helmet used for F1 is one of the most durable in the world. Although the helmet is solid, it is still very lightweight. It is tested for fragmentation and deformation before it is used.
A who managed to score points
Given the many risks, very few women race. The few who did participate lacked the skills to compete at the highest level. Lella Lombardi is the most successful female racer, scoring half a point at the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix, a permanent record.
Formula 1 cars can go upside down
Even a Formula 1 car can go upside down when the conditions are right. The aerodynamic downforce of an F1 car is what allows it to go upside down. Although there has been a lot of discussion about this, especially about automotive fluids, this possibility still holds true.
A race under two names
Unbelievable but true, the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in history had two statuses. Officially, the race was called the European Grand Prix. In those years, it was the standard and good practice to give the race such a status. But since the race was held on the territory of Great Britain, and even in the presence of the royal family, it was given a second name – the British Grand Prix.
Involvement of a Thai prince and a Swiss baron
In its early days, Formula 1 was the domain of aristocrats rather than sportsmen. Among the 21 drivers at the start at Silverstone were such personalities as the Crown Prince of Thailand, Birabongze Banudei Banuband, better known as Prince Bira, and the Swiss Baron Tulo de Graffenried.
Bira, who remained the only Thai Formula 1 driver until Alex Albon in 2019, started fifth and didn’t make it to the finish line – he ran out of fuel. And de Graffenried let his engine down.
Beasts on the track
Almost every season in Formula 1, representatives of the local fauna appear in one or more races on the track – beavers, seagulls, owls, and even rams. The very first race in 1950 was no exception. A hare ran onto the track – Reg Parnell did not have time to dodge and hit the unfortunate animal. The Briton made it to the finish line with a dent in his hood.
In 1950 the average age of the drivers was 39
Three of the competitors at the 1950 European / British Grand Prix were over 50 years old: Louis Faggioli – 51, Louis Chiron – 50, and Philip Etancelin – 53. Five were over 40, including race winner Giuseppe Farina (43).
The youngest racer, Briton Jeff Crossley, was 29 years old.