Formula One, F1, or Formula 1 is a form of international car racing sport that started on 1946. Race Cars that are being used in this contest have open–wheel single-seaters. These vehicles are sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile also known as FIA and are specially designed for fast–paced high-speed races that are held in various locations across the world. Formula One is a global sport that has several countries competing for the gold with events and races lasting all-year long. F1 is so prestigious that even wealthy people tend to bet on these races, read tips about betting on these races on Genting Casino.
Why is it called Formula One?
The reason it is named that way is because of the rules that the racers are obligated to follow. In these said races, a team must consist of a maximum of 4 drivers with races that could last up to 2 hours. At the start of the race, all vehicles must be fueled to the full. Unlike other car racing sports, pit crews are not allowed to refuel vehicles during a race. Because of this, drivers need to be very efficient with their fuel consumption in order to get the gold. All drivers of these vehicles are also required to be wearing helmets, head and neck support devices, and a full–body race suit that are intrinsically designed for Formula One races for the safety of the drivers. In each racing circuit, the distance from start to finish can go up to about 3.6 miles. These races let drivers incur race points throughout the Grand Prix, these points will be tallied at the end of the racing event to crown the overall winner.
What is so special about Formula One Cars?
Formula One cars have a set of requirements in order to compete in this prestigious sport. These vehicles should be able to host one driver with an open cockpit. That means, it has no windshields. F1 cars should also be open-wheel with two spoiler wings at the front and rear, with an engine located at the rear part of the race car.
There are two major components that are being considered in terms of making a vehicle worthy for an F1 race: the CHASSIS and the ENGINE.
There are certain weight requirements for F1 car chassis. Usually these vehicles are built from carbon fiber which makes these vehicles much lighter compared to the standard road car. Upon weighing these race cars, with the inclusion of the driver and the tires, the F1 cars need to be at least 702 kilograms.
In terms of engines, according to F1 standards, F1 cars should be equipped with a 1.6 liter V6 turbo engine.
Because of these specific characteristics, F1 cars can accelerate to up to more than 100 miles per hour or 160 kilometers per hour and slow down back to zero in under 5 seconds. That’s how powerful these vehicles are, and that’s why F1 races require a super license for all drivers involved. The maximum speed of these monsters can reach up to 300 kilometers per hour or 185 miles per hour on average, and sometimes even more.
What is the difference between regular road cars?
Everything.
Well, except that these F1 cars have four wheels, but even the wheels are different as well.
Regular road vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, pick-ups, trucks are all designed for one specific thing: Comfort.
People already know everything about these vehicles as the majority of society has driven a vehicle at least once in their life. Vehicles help us reach point A to point B and basically, that’s it. No matter what design or model, regular cars prioritizes comfort, security, and efficiency. Which is very different from race cars.
For example, F1 cars only have 1 seat. If modern day dealers manufacture a road car that only has one seating capacity, it would be very unlikely to sell a lot of units because of the seating capacity.
Commercial vehicles are made to appeal to the general public, some are attributes even designed only for aesthetic purposes. Attention to aerodynamics and to the design is only done to at least prevent any adverse motion to the vehicle by external factors, meaning, road cars are designed the way they are just to prevent wind and road effects to the vehicle generally. Road car engines in contrast to F1 cars are also built for longevity and reliability, having a lifespan of that can last up to 20 years or more as long as it is being maintained.
F1 vehicles on the other hand are streamlined to have the least amount of drag when reaching top speeds. The reason why it looks the way it is is that there are components that are removed and added for overall efficiency. In other words, they are specifically built for speed and to win races. Stability is achieved by the addition of wings, not only does it increase speed, but it pushes down the body to the road increasing traction and efficiency of breaks. Splitters and diffusers are also added to control a very lightweight vehicle that basically has the power of an airplane. In contrast to commercial cars, F1 vehicles are also not made to be serviced or maintained. These are made specifically for each race with a goal to be champion.
Commercial car manufacturers also prioritize the safety of passengers. The bulky build and brakes of everyday vehicles can get a regular license driver through day to day, and is mostly reliant on the driving skills of the driver. F1 cars on the other hand are much more powerful that can withstand extremely high temperatures without failing. It is also needless to say that F1 cars are extremely uncomfortable because of the single-seating capacity and the lack of windshields. It’s not claustrophobic-friendly and it’s probably best to leave these cars to professionals. Though the other aspects and components make up for the severe uncomfortability.