Formula 1 is one of the prestigious motorsport series in the world with over 750 million fans worldwide with global interest rising by 5.7%. Known for its high-speed action and thrilling weekends racing is a spectacle that draws millions of viewers every season.
But if you’re new to the sport, it can seem impossible to know where to start. This guide to Formula 1 for beginners will help you understand the basics, so you too can enjoy the excitement of F1 racing.
What is Formula 1?
Formula 1 is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, governed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
The sport involves races held on closed circuits across the world, where drivers from different teams compete to land the best possible positions on the grid.
At the end of the season, the driver and constructor (the team) with the most points win the World Championship titles, and these points are earned through the drivers positions in the race and contribute towards the team’s score.
An F1 season typically consists of 24 races, held in countries all around the world, from Australia to Abu Dhabi with different circuits each different from each other with a standard distance of 305km, and between 50-80 laps lasting in total around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Formula 1 Teams and Drivers
F1 is made up of 10 teams (11 starting in 2026 with GM/Cadillac), each with two drivers. Some teams are manufacturers (like Ferrari, Mercedes, or Red Bull), while others are independent (like McLaren or Alpine). The teams for the 2025 season are:
Redbull racing with Max Vertappen (#1) and Liam Lawson (#30)
Mercades AMG F1 with George Russell (#63) and (Andrea) Kimi Antonelli (#12)
McLaren F1 team with Lando Norris (#4) and Oscar Piastri (#81)
Scuderia Ferrari with Charles Leclerc (#16) and Lewis Hamilton (#44)
Aston Martin with Fernando Alonso (#14) and Lance Stroll (#18)
Alpine with Jack Doohan (#7) and Pierre Gasly (#10)
Hass with Estaban Ocon (#31) and (Oliver) Ollie Bearman (#87)
Kick Sauber with Gabriel Bortoleto (#5) and Nico Hulkenberg (#27)
Visa Cash app Racing Bulls F1 team with Isack Hadjar (#6) and Yuki Tsunoda (#22)
Williams with Alex Albon (#23) and Carlos Sainz (#55)
The Formula 1 Weekend Structure
An F1 race typically lasts around 90 minutes, but the length can vary depending on the circuit. Each race usually starts on Thursday which is media day where the driver and teams interact with the media through interviews, press conferences and events.
Friday is practice day at the track with two practice sessions designed for collecting data and testing their cars’ setup and adjustments for the specific track.
Saturday is qualifying which happens after one last practice session and which determines the starting grid for the race as the drivers try to set the fastest lap times, with the quickest driver starting at pole position which is first on the grid.
Then, on Sunday it is time for the main event the race. Drivers race for a set number of laps, with the winner being the first to cross the finish line.
Points are awarded to the top 10 finishers, with 25 points for first place, 18 for second, and 15 for third. The rest of the points distribution is as follows: 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 1 for 10th.
The top three finishers have a podium celebration after the race where trophies are awarded, and champagne is sprayed to celebrate.
Formula One Leader board
Next I’m going to give you a quick overview on how to read the f1 race leader board. The first column simply states the drivers position in the race from first to twentieth, next is the logo for each team and the drivers last name abbreviated.
The third column shows us how far away each driver is from the leader but can also show sometimes the distance to the car in front. The last column shows the tyre compound also known as the type of tyre in which the driver is using.
Finally, next to Lando Norris’ name is a small purple stopwatch, indicating the specific diver who has set the fastest lap time in that specific race.
Formula One Tyres
In Formula 1, tyres play a crucial role in a car’s performance, as different types are designed for specific conditions. The main tire compounds used are dry-weather tyres, which come in soft, medium, and hard varieties, each offering varying levels of grip and durability.
Soft tyres provide maximum grip but wear out quickly, making them ideal for short bursts of performance, while hard tyres last longer but sacrifice some grip. The medium tyres offer a balance between the two.
For wet conditions, F1 uses intermediate tyres, which are designed to handle light rain, and full wet tyres, which have deeper treads to disperse more water and maintain grip on a soaked track.
Teams choose tire strategies based on track conditions, race length, and the weather forecast, often making tire management a key element in a team’s race tactics.
Conclusion
As a beginner, understanding the basics, from the rules of the race to the importance of the teams and drivers, can help you appreciate the excitement and nuances of each event.
Whether you’re drawn in by the high-speed action, the technological advancements, or the strategic depth, there’s always more to learn and enjoy as you dive deeper into the world of F1.In this beginners guide to Formula 1 we have given you the foundation so, pick your favourite team or driver and get stuck in.
For more information visit: Formula 1 Beginner’s Guide
Featured Image Credit: Samuel Phillips
