Formula 1 is the world’s most famous single-seat racing series, constantly pushing the boundaries of automotive technology. Its latest technical regulations allow cars to follow each other closer, opening up new overtaking opportunities and enhancing the spectacle of racing on the track. F1 has also been a leader in other areas, such as safety and environmental sustainability.
At the heart of Formula 1 is competition between drivers and teams, with a team’s title winning driver receiving an engraved trophy on a podium in front of adoring crowds. The battle between team mates, especially when both are in contention for the Drivers’ Championship, can be particularly intense. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, for instance, took their fight all the way to the wire with Mercedes over a couple of seasons in 2014 and 2016 – each scoring seven drivers’ titles, the most of any driver in F1 history.
Similarly, the team’s title, the Constructors’ Championship, rewards the entire effort of an F1 team. Points are awarded for each race, with the winner earning 25 points and those finishing behind it on a sliding scale, down to 10th place, which earns just one point. Sometimes a sprint race will take place before the full races in a season, with points awarded to the winners of these events as well.
It’s not uncommon for a driver to sacrifice their own race, perhaps grudgingly, in order to benefit the team’s chances of winning the championship. This could involve letting their quicker team mate past, or running different strategies (for example a double pit stop) in order to maximise the number of points the team scores.