Ten terms every F1 fan should know

Ever watched a Formula 1 Grand Prix and felt lost? Heard a slew of mechanical terminology from broadcasters and had no idea what was happening? We’ve all been there.

Even the most dedicated F1 fans may not know the definitions of some of the most common terminology, but have no fear, this glossary of commonly used F1 terms will have you up to speed with the lingo in no time.

The Drag Reduction System (DRS) is a tool drivers use to boost top speed and make overtaking easier. Activated by a button on a driver’s steering wheel, DRS opens an adjustable flap on the car’s rear wing.

It can only be activated at designated detection zones on the track, when a pursuing car is within one second of the car ahead.

A driver’s skill is tested when manoeuvring through a chicane. A chicane is an ‘S’-shaped section of the track with two turns. Unlike wider turns, chicanes are more often shorter and tighter, forcing drivers to slow down and handle their car with precision.

A Sprint Weekend is a unique format compared to the usual Formula 1 weekends, but it still spans over three days.

Sprint Weekends add extra pressure, as Sprint Qualifying replaces Friday’s FP2 (Free Practice 2), and the Sprint race takes place of Saturday’s FP3 (Free Practice 3).

With limited practice time, drivers can earn extra points in both Sprint Qualifying and the Sprint race. Regular Qualifying still occurs on Saturday afternoon, with the Grand Prix (the main event) scheduled for Sunday.

Downforce is the aerodynamic force that presses an F1 vehicle downwards as it gains speed, pushing it closer to the track and improving its cornering performance. Key components like front and rear wings, diffusers and other aerodynamic elements are meticulously engineered to maximise downforce.

A lockup occurs when one or more tyres stop rotating under heavy braking, often producing clouds of smoke. This causes flat spots – areas of uneven wear – on the tyres, which reduce performance and often requires a pit stop for fresh tyres or may lead to a DNF (did not finish) result.

If you’ve watched an F1 race, you’ve most likely heard of the ‘FIA’, especially during incidents where they must determine the outcome of a collision.

FIA stands for Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile or International Automobile Federation.

The FIA is the governing body of several motorsport categories (including F1) and aims to promote a safe, accessible, and sustainable environment for all involved.

Their decisions are sometimes controversial, leading to drama among drivers, teams, and fans alike.

First introduced to Formula 1 in 2018, the halo is a cockpit safety structure that has saved multiple drivers’ lives.

Shaped like a horseshoe, the halo is a protective bar that surrounds the driver’s head and is securely bolted to the chassis at three points.

There are two types of championships in Formula 1: the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship. Drivers earn points throughout the season, and the driver with the most points wins the Drivers’ Championship.

A driver’s points also contribute to their team’s standing in the Constructors’ Championship, with the team having the most points by the end of the season, claiming the title.

Notably, a driver can win the Drivers’ Championship even if their team does not win the Constructors’ Championship, and vice versa.

Driver of the Day is a fan-voted title awarded to the best-performing driver during a Grand Prix. Although, it doesn’t award any points, it remains a much-loved tradition for F1 fans worldwide.

Drivers secure points based on their finishing position at the end of each race.

The top 10 drivers receive points, with the winner earning 25 points and the runner-up (second place) scoring 18. Positions 3 to 10 receive 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 point(s), respectively.

In a Sprint race, only the top eight finishers receive points, with 8 points going to the winner, 7 to second place, and so on.

Accumulating points is crucial, as it can secure the Drivers’ World Championship, with each drivers’ points also contributing to their team’s standing in the Constructors’ World Championship.

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