Formula 1 has had a whole new demographic of viewers and fans of the sport over the past year, including a notable increase in female fans.
Netflix’s Drive To Survive has done well to introduce the sport to a broader demographic, but watching a race is complicated, and terms and race formats are not always explained for new fans.
Holly Skillen, 24, from Leeds, only started watching F1 in March. She said: “F1 don’t do enough to explain things to newer fans, and now it’s too late. Even commentators should be doing it, it’s their job too.”
So, if you are a new fan of F1 and would like a bit of clarity on certain aspects of the race, this article is for you.
How does Formula 1 work?
There are 20 drivers in Formula 1 who race for nine different teams.
At the start of a race weekend, there will be one or two practice races – these don’t mean anything, they are genuinely just a practice. Then, usually on a Saturday, qualifying will take place. This determines where the drivers start on the grid for the main race aka the Grand Prix.
The fastest driver and the first one to cross the line, wins the Grand Prix.
What is the difference between a yellow flag and a red flag?
A red flag means that the race has to be suspended until the problem is sorted, or sometimes a restart to the race.
This can include crashes or cars on fire. The yellow flag signifies a less serious hazard on the track, such as gravel or debris.
What do the safety cars do?
If a safety car or virtual safety car is deployed, no overtaking is allowed and cars have to slow down. During this time, teams are most likely to take pit stops, as they will lose less time.
What is the difference between a virtual safety car and an actual safety car?
Incidents that have huge impacts call out the safety car, such as crashes or abandoned vehicles. The virtual safety car will come out if a car is stuck or if there is an obstacle on the track.
Why are there no female drivers on the grid?
It has been 30 years since a woman driver entered a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and believe it or not, there are no rules against women competing against men.
Motorsport as a whole is very male-dominated. The lack of sponsors and sponsor money is another big reason why the sport lacks women drivers.
To try and change the lack of women on the grid, the sport has launched an all new female racing category called the F1 Academy.
Jordan Mansfield, 30, from Sheffield said: “I have been a big F1 fan for many years, I would watch races with my dad all the time, and I’ve also been involved in motorcross myself.
“It’s sad not to see women in the sport. Women football teams have only just got credit for their work, so I think it’ll be a long time before it’s the same for Formula One.
“Being a fan of F1 and living in Sheffield is quite disheartening, our only British Grand Prix is at Silverstone, which is a long way from here, never mind expensive.”