Formula One Racing Cars Have Wings

Aerodynamic design is as important to Formula One racing vehicles as it is to airplanes. You might not expect a racecar to have wings but Formula One racing cars do.

An airplane is designed with wings to help it lift off the ground. The wings of an airplane are an important part of the aerodynamic design that helps it to fly. Airplane wings direct airflow around the wings and give the airplane the lift it needs to leave the ground.

Formula One racing vehicles rely on aerodynamic design to increase speeds. Millions of dollars are spent on the research and development of better aerodynamic features for the racecars. Aerodynamic design in Formula One racing focuses on developing a design that will decrease the amount of drag the car creates and while creating a downforce that keeps the car's tires on the track. Downforce aerodynamics also influence cornering ability on the track.

The first wings showed up in Formula One racing near the end of the 1960s. Early wings used in Formula One racing were movable and had high mountings. Although these wings did improve the aerodynamics of the racecar, they also contributed to major accidents. By the 1970 Formula One racing season FIA instituted regulations regarding wings for safety purposes.

During the mid-1970s engineers experimented with methods to use the low-pressure area under the car as a "ground effect" downforce. FIA rules were changed and adapted to limit the benefits of this downforce.

The aerodynamic force created by today's Formula One racing vehicles can be as great as three and one half times it's own weight. Theoretically, Formula One racing cars could drive upside down thanks to the downforce they create.

Formula One racing engineers continue to explore opportunities to create greater downforce without increasing drag. Today wings configuration is customized for each specific Grand Prix location. On a street race course like Monaco the team uses aggressive design and placing of wings to create maximum downforce. Success on this type of course depends on a downforce to increase the vehicle's ability to stick to the road, especially while cornering. On high-speed Formula One racing circuits the aerodynamic need is to reduce drag on the long straights. As a result nearly the entire wing is stripped from the racecar for these races.

The overall aerodynamics of a Formula One racing car are as important to winning as the wing design. Every feature of the racecar is tested in wind tunnels to determine the amount of drag and then analyzed. This allows for new designs that reduce air turbulence that slows the car. Even helmet design is based on aerodynamics. Because Formula One racing vehicles feature an open cockpit the driver's helmet creates air turbulence that slows the car. Today's helmet designers focus as much on aerodynamics as they do on safety.

The final factor in the Formula One racing aerodynamic puzzle is that engineers must make certain that the cars are not too aerodynamic. A Formula One racing engine runs at very hot temperatures. Airflow must be designed to remove the heat from around the engine and reduce heat build-up.

FIA continues to monitor the use of aerodynamic design features and wings by Formula One racing teams. Followers of Formula One racing can expect FIA to continue to make changes and additions to the regulars regarding these features as scientific advancements occur to ensure the safety of Formula One racing drivers.

Formula One Racing Grand Prix Circuits

Formula One racing evolved from early European Grand Prix racing. These early races here held on public streets and some of the current Grand Prix races continue to be held on them. Due to safety concerns associated with street racing, most Formula One racing events are held on circuits designed to meet the specific high performance demands of Formula One racecars.

The number of Grand Prix held each year can vary. Most of the traditional venue locations remain on the schedule year after year. However, new circuits are built and added to the schedule each year, allowing Formula One racing to expand into new international markets. As a result, the season takes drivers on a tour of well-known circuits as well as exciting new locations.

At the start of Formula One racing all of the races, except for the one race in the United States, were held in Europe. Over the years the popularity of the sport has led to the addition of circuits located around the world. In 1953 the first South American Grand Prix was held. It was followed by the addition of the African World Championship race in 1958. The 2007 season consists of 17 races, only 8 of which will be held in Europe. Formula One racing Grand Prix are now held in Europe, Asia, Australia, North American and South America.

The best know and most loved of all Grand Prix circuits is the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. World Championship Formula One racing has been at home on the Monte Carlo circuit since 1955. The Monte Carlo circuit has changed very little over the years. The most major change occurred in 2004 when a new pit complex was added and changes were made to increase the number of spectators that could be accommodated.

The Monaco Grand Prix is the race that all Formula One racing drivers hope to win. The Monte Carlo circuit demands the best from each driver. It is a challenging and dangerous circuit. The Monaco Grand Prix separates the good from the great in Formula One racing and winners are considered among the best in Formula One racing history.

In the United States, Formula One racing is held at the Indianapolis International Speedway, nicknamed The Brickyard. Between 1950 and 1960 the Indy 500 was a World Championship round in Formula One racing. After 1960 the event was no longer part of the championship series but Formula One racers continued to participate. Indianapolis again became host of a Formula One World Championship circuit in 2000 after a new infield racing course was built. Formula One racing is growing in popularity in the United States and the circuit at Indianapolis International Speedway has contributed to the fan growth.

Many of the newer Formula One racing circuits have been designed by Hermann Tilke. The designs developed for newer circuits meet a higher safety standard than older circuits while providing access to larger audiences. Critics argue that the circuits have lost some of the character and challenges that made them popular but concede that safety is a top priority.

No matter where in the world they are located, Formula One racing Grand Prix are exciting events that test the skills of the drivers and the quality of the equipment engineering.

All About Flags Used in Formula One Racing

Spectators at Formula One racing events notice race marshals using flags to send messages to the drivers. The marshals, positioned around the track, each have ten different flags. Today the flags serve an information source for spectators. Modern Formula One racing speeds make it difficult for drivers to be aware of the flags and react in a timely manner. Technological innovations now allow each Formula One racing cockpit to be equipped with a GPS marshalling system that displays the flag color when the driver is passing the relevant track location.

Formula One racing flags follow a pattern. Many of the flags are common to most auto racing events and familiar to the general public. Others are specific to Formula One racing.

The black and white checkered flag is perhaps the best known of all racing flags. The checkered flag indicates the finish of a session or race. During qualifying and practice sessions the flag is waved when the allotted time has elapsed. At the end of a Formula One racing event the checkered flag is waved first at the winner and then at all following cars so that they understand that the race has been completed.

The red flag is also used to indicate the end of a Formula One racing session. The waving of a red flag indicates that the session has ended early, generally as a result of poor track conditions or because of an accident.

The yellow and red striped flag informs drivers of adverse track conditions, such as oil or water on the track. It also may indicate debris on the track.

Marshals may wave either one or two solid yellow flags in Formula One racing. A single yellow flag warns drivers to slow down. Overtaking is not permitted. The yellow flag indicates a problem ahead, often a stranded car. Two yellow flags are waved at once to indicate an even greater danger ahead and that vehicles may be required to stop. A single yellow flag along with the SC sign indicates to drivers that the safety car will be entering the track.

When a slow moving vehicle has entered the track in Formula One racing the marshals wave a white flag, indicating that a reduction in speed is necessary.

The green flag is waved as a message that the track has been cleared and the race may resume full speed.

In Formula One racing the blue flag serves as a warning signal to a driver that a faster car is approaching. The driver is required to allow the faster car to pass. A driver that fails to allow the faster car to pass after passing three blue flags may be penalized.

Formula One racing also uses flags to communicate to drivers regarding their status.

A half black, half white flag is used in conjunction with a sign indicating a specific car number. Formula One racing uses this signal to inform a driver that his behavior is unacceptable. If the behavior continues the driver will be disqualified.

A solid black flag accompanied by a car number sign notifies a driver that he has been disqualified and must return to his pit within the next lap.

The final flag used by Formula One racing marshals is a black flag with an orange circle in the center. This flag is waved to tell a driver that a vehicle mechanical problem has been detected. The driver must return the car to the pit.

Flags allow Formula One racing spectators to easily follow the flow of a Formula One racing event.

All About Formula One Racing Drivers

During the early days of Formula One racing it was not unusual for drivers to be over forty years old. As the demands of the sport have changed so have the drivers. Today's Formula One racing drivers are younger. They also are more physically fit than drivers in the past. Training begins at a young age and the career of a Formula One racing driver is usually over by his mid-30s.

Most Formula One racing drivers begin their careers driving in other European racing sports. In the past the Formula 3000 series was considered the final stepping-stone before entering Formula One racing. Recently, however, the champions in the new GP2 series have moved on to Formula One racing. Additionally, former British F3 drivers are also commonly found in Formula One racing.

Working as a test driver for a Formula One racing team is considered the perfect training ground for drivers new to Formula One racing. Test drivers have the opportunity to drive during Friday on Formula One racing weekends. Considering the quantity of testing that is performed with Formula One racing vehicles, it is not uncommon for test drivers to complete a season with more drive time than the official team drivers.

Formula One racing is a physically demanding sport that requires stamina and endurance. Formula One racing drivers are among the most conditioned athletes in the world.

The aerodynamic design of a Formula One racecar allows it to create g-force up to 3.5. Drivers must be exceptionally strong to endure that amount of force for the length of a Formula One race. The heat centered in the cockpit of a Formula One racing vehicle can cause a driver to sweat up off up to six pounds of their body weight during a Formula One racing event.

In order to successfully deal with the physical demands of Formula One racing, drivers workout using intensive cardio-vascular sports such as running and swimming. Special devices are used to strengthen neck and chest muscles. Strengthening these muscles is especially important considering the force exerted on the helmet and head while cornering. Strong arm muscles are required to control the high-speed Formula One cars.

Formula One racing drivers follow a carefully regulated diet that controls the amounts of protein and carbohydrates their body absorbs. Like long-distance runners, Formula One racing drivers eat large quantities of pasta and other high-carb food for energy and stamina during race weekends. They must also make certain they consume large quantities of water prior to a race to prevent dehydration.

The extreme demands of Formula One racing force most drivers from competition by their mid-30s. After retiring from Formula One racing many drivers continue to race in less demanding motor sports. Some former drivers choose to compete in DTM while others choose to move to America and compete in the IndyCar or NASCAR series. The Grand Prix Masters, a new series begun in 2005, requires that all drivers be retired Grand Prix drivers over 40 who have been retired at least two years. The Grand Prix Masters should be a common series to spot former Formula One racing drivers in the future.

All About Formula One Racing Event Weekends

The Formula One racing World Championship season is held annually from early spring through fall. Races are held at locations around the world but each race weekend follows the same pattern.

Each Formula One racing event is a three-day event held on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The exception to this is at the Monaco Grand Prix. In Monte Carlo Friday practices are moved to Thursday. Each driver is allowed two practices on Friday and one on Saturday. A team may use three drivers on Friday but only two cars.

Friday and Saturday mornings are designated as practice times in Formula One racing. The Practice sessions are held prior to the start of qualifying sessions. Following the practice session a qualifying session is held. The Formula One racing qualifying sessions are used to determine starting positions for the race. Multiple sessions are run using a knockout system. Each round eliminates the slowest six drivers. The first six eliminated are the final six in the starting line-up. The six eliminated in the next round are the second to final six and so on.

On race day the cars enter the track for a warm-up formation lap. Drivers use this lap to place their car in the correct starting line-up position. If a driver is delayed because of equipment issues he may start the race from the pit re-entry lane but only after all the other cars have passed.

In Formula One racing the race is started using a light grid installed about the starting line. The race itself is just over 190 miles long. The number of laps required for a race varies by venue based on the length of the track. A race may last for a maximum of two hours in Formula One racing. The average race is usually only about ninety minutes long.

During the race drivers will return to the pit area for tire changes, re-fueling and equipment maintenance as needed. Spectators are not allowed in the pit areas. Work is fast and furious while cars are in the pits and safety is a top priority.

Spectators at Formula One racing events will notice the race marshals communicating with drivers using flags. Drivers know the meaning of each flag. Some are used to indicate a safety issue on the track, others warn a driver of unacceptable behavior. Most well known is the checkered flag that is waved when a race is completed.

At the conclusion of a race the top eight drivers and their teams receive points. In Formula One racing the number of points received ranges from 10 to 1. The top driver and his team each receive 10 points, the number two driver and his team each receive 8 points. Because each Formula One racing team is able to enter two cars in a race, a team may earn points from two winning drivers. The top point earning driver and the top point earning team are recognized at World Champions at the end of the Formula One racing season. The points won at each Formula One racing weekend are important to the overall season results.

Formula One racing weekends are a fun-filled and exciting time for teams and spectators alike.

Dangers in F1 racing

There are inherent dangers in F1 racing that are worsened by the sport itself. It's obvious that speeding around a track over 100 mph is dangerous, but the design of the car and expectations of wealthy team owners can be just as dangerous. Being a cautious driver in F1 racing isn't as important as being a winning driver. Since safety isn't always the number one priority, the dangers in F1 racing might be ignored. The FIA, Formula One racing's official safety organization, have therefore, imposed a lot of the safety regulations that are in place today.

Ever since the sport of Formula One began in the 1950's, peril has been infused into every part of F1 racing. The main difference between F1 racing and other professional races are the tracks. Most other tracks are simple oval designs that allow gradual turns. The dangerous part of F1 racing is the sharp left and right turns that drivers must make. Also, even those the tracks are closed-circuit, if a driver hasn't practiced sufficiently, the differences of a new track could mean disaster.

Many measures have been put into place to offset the dangers in F1 racing. The earlier of those measures added has been the addition of the helmet for drivers. In the 1970's and 80's, F1 racing helmets started to be designed for drivers. This accessory is necessary considering the lack of protection of the open cockpit. Another helpful safety invention has been head and neck supports. The head and neck support system was put in place to prevent whiplash, which is one of the most common F1 racing injuries. The cockpit, or monocoque of the car, has also been strengthened in recent years to withstand a serious accident. These compartments are made of strong carbon fibre.

A very real danger in F1 racing is on track hazards. Stalled cars, accidents and debris can all mean disaster if a driver is unaware of their existence. Different colored flags are waved during F1 races to indicate certain things. A yellow flag being waved indicates that a car will need to slow down. The driver is also not allowed to overtake another car after seeing this flag. A red flag signifies the premature end of the race, whether temporarily or for good. Finally, a red and yellow striped flag being waved can indicate slippery conditions on a track. There are many other colored flags that guide and warn drivers of the dangers in F1 races.

The safety car has been added to the sport of F1 racing as well. This car keeps the pace of the race going by leading the drivers around the track. This is usually necessary when a hazard has been detected on the track or if a car becomes disabled.

Many technological advances have been made as of late to ensure the safety of F1 drivers. The dangers in F1 racing are always going to exist and persist, so it's important for the industry to respond to those dangers. Safety in Formula One can be easy to attain; even while maintaining the exciting edge of speed and maneuvering.

Design Features of Formula One Racing Cars

ormula One racing is among the most popular motor sports in the world. What sets Formula One racing above all others is Formula One's strict rules. Most regulations pertain to the construction of the racecar and failure to follow the rules will result in elimination. Construction of a Formula One racing vehicle must allow for the fastest possible speed and the best handling capability combined with effective safety features. Today's Formula One cars push these to the limit.

To gain maximum speed and fuel efficiency the car builders, or constructors, rely on aerodynamic design. These cars have has much aerodynamic design as a jet fighter. Unlike an airplane, however, Formula One racing constructors must find ways to create downforce. This force is needed to keep the tires on the track at high speeds and improve handling on corners. At the same time the design needs to allow air to flow freely around the car to eliminate any drag that would decrease speed or fuel efficiency. Today a Formula One racecar is designed to create such an aerodynamic downforce that theoretically they can drive upside down.

The high speeds demanded by Formula One racing require an effective method to slow down or stop the racecars. The brakes used on Formula One cars are similar to the brakes used on standard street cars. Formula One cars have disc brakes. The major difference between the brakes used for Formula One racing and that of road vehicles is that the Formula One vehicles use carbon fiber composite brake discs to reduce weight and increase durability at higher temperatures. They are used in combination with specially compounded brake pads and work well at extremely high temperatures.

The main body of a Formula One racing car is the monocoque. This section holds the cockpit and functions as the central part of the chassis. Both the engine and the front suspension are mounted onto the monocoque. Because it operates at the cockpit as well as the main structure of the car strength is important. Most of the monocoque structure is composed of carbon fiber. The cockpit, also called the survival cell, is designed with multiple safety features.

A powerful but lightweight engine is key to Formula One racing success. FIA regulations now require that an engine last for more than one race weekend. This requires constructors to develop engines that will be durable as well as high performance. Engine failure is the leading cause of early race termination in Formula One racing.
Equally stressed during Grand Prix is the transmission system of the race car. Formula One racing rules do not allow for automatic transmissions in the racecars. The transmissions used today are highly automated and easy for the driver to manipulate but they remain a manual transmission.

Also important to Formula One racecar design is the suspension system. Passenger vehicles rely on suspension for comfort. Formula One cars are not designed with driver comfort in mind. The suspension systems in these cars must successfully combine the engine power, downforce and tire grip to create a faster car. The suspension systems are manually adjustable and are tuned to meet the needs of each circuit.

The final key to a successful racecar is the tires. In 2007 only one tire supplier is approved for Formula One racing. Formula One racing tires use a special air mixture high in nitrogen to maintain uniform and longer lasting tire pressure.
Constructors of Formula One cars must pay special attention to every detail to get the best performance possible from their car.

Driver Safety in Formula One Racing

The high speeds and challenging courses of Formula One racing make it a dangerous sport for drivers. Many of the rules in Formula One racing are designed with driver safety in mind and constructors are always looking at new design features to enhance driver safety.

Formula One racing rules require that a driver must be able to get out of the racecar quickly. The exit must be accomplished in less than five seconds with the removal of nothing more than the steering wheel. According to FIA rules the steering wheel must also be able to be re-installed within five seconds to allow for quick removal of a car from the track to insure the safety of other Formula One racing drivers.

The cockpit area of a Formula One racing car is referred to as the survival cell. In Formula One racing, the survival cell is equipped with a rollover protection hoop as well as front and rear crash protection features. Recent changes have focused on making side walls taller and stronger to protect the driver's head from flying debris. Formula One racing cars are put through crash tests to determine their ability to safely protect the driver.

Although fires are rare in Formula One racing today, fire safety precautions are still an important part of driver safety. The clothing worn by race drivers are made from fireproof materials designed to protect the driver in case of fire until it can be extinguished. Design of the clothing must also take into account the extreme conditions that Formula One racing drivers face during a race. During a race drivers must endure extremely high temperatures inside the care and must wear items that allow sweat to escape to avoid overheating. Specially designed fabric that meets both the fireproof and wear-ability factors is used for everything, including the thread and sponsor patches on the uniform as well as the underwear worn by the driver.

The shoulders on overalls worn by Formula One racing drivers have to large safety handles. Because FIA rules require that a driver be removed quickly from his car while strapped into the seat they are held in place with only two standardized bolts that can be removed with a tool carried by every rescue team. The long and strong straps make it possible to remove both driver and seat together.

Helmets play a key role in Formula One racing safety. It is important that helmets be as lightweight as possible since added weight increases the severity of whiplash during a crash. Today's Formula One racing helmets weigh just under three pounds. The helmet is comprised of layers made of carbon fiber, a plastic like that used in bulletproof vests, a softer plastic and a covering of flameproof material. Visors are composed of a polycarbonate.

The leading causes of death in auto racing accidents are skull and neck fractures resulting from rapid deceleration during accidents. The Head and Neck Support system (HANS) was designed to reduce these whiplash effects. The system consists of a collar that is attached to the safety belt and strapped to the helmet to hold the helmet in place during an accident. HANS usage became mandatory in Formula One racing in 2003.

Injuries and accidents are unavoidable. Formula One racing sets high standards for medical care at each Grand Prix. Trained medical and extraction teams are in place at each race, each circuit has a fully equipped medical center and local hospitals are on standby during races.

FIA strives to make Formula One racing as safe as possible though on-going innovations and rule changes.

F1 Engines

In order to win races and keep a competitive edge, F1 engines must be uniquely designed to provide maximum performance with greatest longevity. Historically, engines that were built for F1 racing were not built to last much longer than a single race. Today, FIA regulations stipulations require engines to not fall apart never to be used again. However, even with all the technology available to racing teams, engine failure is the most common reason cars are sidelined.

The specifications as well as the standards for F1 engines have changed many times since F1 races first began. One hundred bhp per litre was the expected output of a F1 engine over fifty years ago. Some fluctuations in output occurred since then. Now, the standard output is closer to 300 bhp per litre using a 2.4 litre V8 engine. Engines today can use 650 litres of air per second. In a race, the modern engine will use about 75 litres for each 100 kilometers.

It's tempting to think that regular car engines bare any resemblance to the modern day F1 engine. Unfortunately, regular cars aren't capable of the same speed with typical car engines. Since reducing drag is a very important part of this sport, engines are built much smaller than normal car engines. Formula one engines also take up less space.

Gearboxes are another feature attached to F1 engines. The gears are typically housed behind the steering wheel to make driving a lot less taxing for the driver in terms of his attention. Seven speed gearboxes are most common now. Transmissions on an F1 engine are connected straight to the engine and utilize electronic controls.

The type of energy, or fuel, that's put into an engine isn't really an important factor for F1 engines. In fact, normal gasoline is used on the track to refuel cars. The gasoline is similar to that bought at a local gas station. The only time fuel really becomes an important part of an F1 engines' life is during diagnostics. Mechanics on a team look in the leftover fuel and oil left in the engine to see what metals appear there. This demonstrates the rate of which the engine is being worn.

The FIA, standing for Federation of International Automobiles, in an effort to curb illegal rigging of F1 engines, has put in place penalties for those who create expensive, wear and tare engines. Since 2005, the FIA has will give a penalty of ten places in a race if a teams' engine fails to make it through two grand prix.

The modern F1 engine is an amazing piece of machinery. With almost 5,000 parts composing the whole engine, it's not hard to see how expensive one really is. The speed and power that race cars are able to achieve are due in part to the 20,000 revolutions that the engine can make every minute. Formula one engines have come a long way and with their continuing evolutions, so too will evolve the sport closed track racing.

Famous Formula One Drivers Through the Years

There are many things that make drivers a legend. From a diverse and faithful fan base to an uncanny driving ability that no other possesses, little things can make a driver a legend in their own rights. The legends are the drivers that are talked about long after their career is over and that are names that pop into your head when Formula One racing is talked about.

Michael Schumacher is a seven time Formula One World Champion and according to the official Formula One website is statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen. He is known for his controversial driving. Michael Schumacher won two Formula One World Championships with Benetton and five more with Ferrari. He holds many reconds that are waiting to be broken with Formula One. Some of these titles are race victories, pole positons, and fastest laps.

Juan Manuel Fangio began racing long before the start of Formula One. He was racing on the deadly Argentine tracks that seemed more concerned with thrilling the fans than the start of the drivers. Juan Manuel Fangio went to Europe to begin his Formula One career in 1947. He won two Formula One World Championships in 1951 and 1955 before his career to a downward turn when he was indirectly involved in the accident that killed 83 spectators. He went on to live to 1995 but his career had never recovered.

Ayrton Senna Monaco made his way into the Formula One racing world in 1984. He held the record for most pole positions until 12 years after his death in 1994. Ayrton Monaco was the formula One World Champion in 1988, 1990, and 1991. He was killed in an accident as he was leading the race at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy.

Stirling Moss is a Formula One racing pioneer that never won a championship in his 14 year career. From 1948 until 1962 he was creating an excellent effort with numerous wins and pole positions but new quite was able to seal the deal. Aside from his Formula One racing career he was Knighted in 2000 as Sir Stirling Moss.

Nigel Mansell's Formula One racing career began in 1980 and lasted until 1992 when he took a brat to run in the CART Indycar World Series. He returned to Formula One for a brief 2 year return in 1994 and 1995 for a total of six races. Nigel Mansell was the Formula One World Champion in 1992 and finished second in 1986, 1987, and 1991.

Jackie Stewart is a Scottish Formula One driver that was nicknamed The Flying Scot. This now Formula One team owner had won three World Championships from 1965 to 1973. After receiving Rookie of the Year Honors in 1966 he won the Formula One World Championship in 1969, 1971, and 1973. With commentator and consultant for Ford Motor Company also under his career belt, Jackie Stewart also appeared in a UPS commercial to get Dale Jarrett "to drive the Big Brown Truck" in 2002 and 2003.

This just touches base on a few of the great names of Formula One. As you can see it is not necessarily about how many championships they won, but also on how they played the game.