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https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.why-is-it-called-formula-1-and-12-other-questions-about-the-championships.1GHeel6u4jga6hMpX2eFs1.html

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On the 70th anniversary of the first official Formula 1 World Championship race, F1 Hall of Fame journalist David Tremayne explains the origins of Formula 1 as we know it. Where did the name 'Formula 1' come from, was there motorsport before it and who took part in the first race at Silverstone? Read on to find out...

WATCH: Thank You - legends past and present salute F1 fans

What did international motorsport look like before the official F1 World Championship was inaugurated? Had there been anything like it before?

Yes, there had been something like it. The Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus (AIACR) was the sport’s governing body and between 1931 and 1939 it hosted the European Championship, which was a World Championship in all but name.

The 1937 Grand Prix at Donington Park, UK. Auto Union's Bernd Rosemeyer led away in the #5 Type C

An arcane scoring system awarded four points to those who completed more than 75% of a Grand Prix, sliding up to seven for those completing 25% or less, so the driver with the lowest score was the winner.

Champions included Tazio Nuvolari, Rudolf Caracciola and Bernd Rosemeyer, while the dominant teams were Alfa Romeo, Mercedes and Auto Union. The championship ended with the outbreak of World War 2 in 1939.

READ MORE: Hall of Fame - the World Champions

So how did F1 come to be? When was it invented, and by whom?

In 1946 the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI), the sporting arm of the AIACR, took the first steps to rebuild motor racing after the war. It replaced 80-year-old president Chevalier Rene de Knyff with Augustin Perouse, who initiated discussions on a new Grand Prix formula.

Around the same time, the cumbersome AIACR title was superseded by the slicker Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) we know today.

Marquis Antonio Brivio at the Nurburgring, driving the #24 Alfa Romeo 12C-36, in 1936

No one is absolutely sure who first had the idea of an official Formula One World Championship, but the credit is generally given to the Marquis Antonio Brivio-Sforza, who had been elected to represent Italy at the FIA in 1946. He was a passionate racing man from Milan, a former bobsleigh gold medallist and Grand Prix racer who scored third place podiums at Monaco in 1935 and Nurburgring in 1936.

In 1949 it was confirmed that the FIA Formula One World Championship would be inaugurated for 1950, with a World Champion elected at the end of the season.

PODCAST: Listen to Martin Brundle discuss the best cars he's driven from every decade of F1

Was it always going to be called Formula 1? And why ‘Formula’ anyway?

Initially, when the concept of the new racing category was voted through by the CSI in 1946, it was felt that the expression ‘formula’ best summarised a racing division, and it was called Formula Internationale, but some thought it had also been given the name Formula A.

In the end it was decided that Formula 1 was the more apposite title and that it would immediately be recognised for what it was, the premier formula.

The Maserati 4CL was a voiturette that would be eligible for the inaugural World Championship Grand Prix. It sported a 1.5-litre supercharged engine

What were the original rules?

From 1947 the rules formally catered for cars with either 4.5-litre normally aspirated engines, as in pre-war years, or 1.5-litre supercharged engines from the old voiturette class (which was effectively a pre-war Formula 2).

This had worked well, so when the rules for the World Championship were formalised, the same capacity options were specified for 1950 through to 1953.

WATCH: 'Thank you' – legends past and present salute fans on F1's 70th birthday

What form did the championship take?

For the first championship, there would be seven rounds: Britain, Monaco, America, Switzerland, Belgium, France and Italy.

The American round was the famed Indianapolis 500, which would be included up until 1960 as a political ploy designed to give the series a suitably international flavour. In practice there was virtually zero crossover of drivers; that would not happen until Jack Brabham took his Cooper to Indy in 1961 and triggered the ‘European’ wave that would transform racing on the famous oval.

READ MORE: F1’s 'one-win wonders' - how many do you remember?

Jack Brabham at the 1961 Indianapolis 500. The then two-time F1 champion triggered a "European invasion" into the Indy 500 and a rear-engined revolution

There was only one championship, for drivers (the championship for constructors was not added until 1958), for which points would be awarded on the basis of eight for a win, six for second place, four for third, three for fourth and two for fifth, with an extra point awarded for fastest lap.

Were a lot of manufacturers interested?

Alfa Romeo had taken a sabbatical in 1949 following the deaths of star drivers Jean-Pierre Wimille, Achille Varzi and Count Carlo Trossi but returned with a vengeance with four of their highly successful pre-war based Alfetta 158s, which now developed more than 400 bhp from their supercharged straight-eight engines.

READ MORE: Under the bodywork of the Alfa Romeo ‘Alfetta’ – 70 years after it won the first ever F1 race

Sadly, Britain’s Great White Hope, the ambitious BRM V16, was not yet raceworthy, but when Consalvo Sanesi sustained an arm injury on the Mille Miglia, Alfa Romeo tipped their hat in respect to the host nation by offering their fourth car for the opening race at Silverstone to home hero Reg Parnell.

For the first race there were also five Talbot Lagos, six Maseratis, four ERAs and two Altas, adding up to a 21-car field.

The start of the 1950 British Grand Prix, or Grand Prix of Europe at Silverstone

What, so no Ferrari?

Ironically, given the team’s pride in the longevity of their presence in the World Championship, Enzo Ferrari did not bother to send any cars to that first race. He feared his 1.5-litre V12 125s would be uncompetitive with the Alfas, and was in the midst of a transition to a normally aspirated 4.5 litre V12 powerplant with which his cars would trounce Alfa in the following year’s race…

READ MORE: F1.com readers choose the most influential person in F1

Was there big enthusiasm for the new championship?

Yes, and no. Many of the teams had been racing long before their efforts received such official recognition, but there was general satisfaction that things were being put on a much more organised footing after years in which myriad ‘Grands Prix’ were held without having true gravitas.

F170: The first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1950

Was there big prize money on offer?

No! Based on calculations taken from figures available for Grands Prix in 1961, it’s likely that the overall prize fund would not have exceeded £1000 (approx. $1300), with around £350 ($455) going to the winner.

READ MORE: We’re streaming the 2003 British Grand Prix – here's why you should watch

Why was Silverstone chosen as the first round?

No specific reason was given for the choice, though Earl Howe had been elected as the British representative at the FIA at the same time as Brivio. Silverstone had opened as an airfield in 1943 and the first racing steps had been taken there by 1947.

Then they had very successfully run British Grands Prix in 1948 and 1949 (won by the Maseratis of Luigi Villoresi and Toulo de Graffenried respectively), so clearly the RAC and the British Racing Drivers Club knew what was required to stage such events.

The start of the 1948 Grand Prix at Silverstone

Was it obvious that F1 would be a success?

In Britain, certainly. The first running of the International Trophy race at Silverstone in August 1949 had attracted a mammoth crowd of 100,000, so much was expected when the British Grand Prix – also given the honorary title of Grand Prix d’Europe – kicked off the first official World Championship.

WATCH: First gameplay trailer for Codemasters' F1 2020 revealed

What sort of reception did that first race enjoy?

Saturday, May 13th, 1950 was an historic day on two counts. On a sporting level it marked the staging of the first official World Championship Grand Prix. On a national level it marked the first time a reigning monarch had attended the race, creating the moniker ‘Royal Silverstone’.

The British Royal Family (Princess Margaret in the sunlight) watch history at the 1950 British Grand Prix

HM King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were accompanied by HRH Princess Margaret and the Earl and Countess Mountbatten, with the royal entourage watching on as Giuseppe Farina headed an Alfa Romeo 1-2-3.

Later that year Farina would be crowned the first world champion after a thrilling showdown at the final race in Monza. Formula 1 as we know it was underway, and the rest is history…

Legends past and present salute F1 fans

More on F1's 70th anniversary

10 fascinating facts about the very first F1 Grand Prix

PODCAST: Listen to Martin Brundle discuss the best cars he's driven from every decade of F1

WATCH: 'Thank you' – legends past and present salute fans on F1's 70th birthday

Under the bodywork of the Alfa Romeo ‘Alfetta’ – 70 years after it won the first ever F1 race

Why is it called Formula 1 – and 12 other questions about the championship’s origins

1950 vs 2020: Cars, drivers, safety and pitstops – how F1 has changed in 70 years

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Hall of Fame F1 Journalist David Tremayne

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Why is it called Formula 1 – and 12 other questions about the championship’s origins | Formula 1®

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On the 70th anniversary of the first official Formula 1 World Championship race, David Tremayne explains the origins of Formula 1 as we know it...

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http://ukpaintballgames.com/is-formula-1-an-extreme-sport/

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Most people consider all kinds of sports extreme. To some extent, hockey, rugby and even football can be considered extreme, especially when the matches are particularly unsportsmanlike. But, these sports are at their heart just sports and people, like with any other sport, love betting on them and always try to receive a bonus with Matchbook, for example. Extreme sports like parkour, snowboarding, mountain climbing or parachuting, are particularly interesting. Practicing any of them means risking your life and that is a fact, no matter the equipment you are using.

What about Formula 1? Is it an extreme sport, or is it simply racing? Well, the answer would be a very detailed yes.

What is an Extreme Sport?

An extreme sport would be a sport which has lots of risk. The risk can be anything from height, like climbing, speed, like snowboarding or downhill mountain biking, physical exertion, like parkour (although, parkour also exposes you to lots of height, and given the circumstances, lots of speed as well). Extreme sports also often require specialized gear. While for practicing parkour, you do not need much other than a great grip on your footwear, you do need excellent coordination and overall fitness level. But, the rest of the sports do have highly specialized gear. All of this leads us to the conclusion that Formula 1 is indeed an extreme sport.

Formula 1 Driving - Fast and Deadly

There have been multiple changes to the Formula 1 open-wheel car, to make it safer. There have also been multiple changes to the racetracks, to make everything, once more, safer. But, regardless of what safety measures and precautions people might go through to make everything safer, people still make mistakes, or unlucky events take place and someone dies. In Formula 1, it is very easy for someone to make a mistake, given that the racers often go above 200 km/h. At those speeds, a single bad turn, bad gear shift or even a bad break application, could mean a racer, or two, if they collide, dying.

Racing Versus Extreme Sports

While the drivers themselves do not have to be as fit as a traceur (parkour practitioner) or daring as a base-jumper, they do have to have a level of fitness which is often very high. The errors in piloting a Formula 1 car means that someone will get injured or die.

However, some people do not consider Formula 1 to be an extreme sport due to it simply being a racing sport. In other words, even though you might get seriously injured while performing/driving, it is not essentially a sport because you do not have any physical exertion. If that were true, esports also couldn't be called sports. The classifications of sports have an unstable foundation, especially if you dwell into the regions of the extreme.

Extreme sports or not, Formula 1 is highly dangerous, very fast and very entertaining. Racing at high speeds is always dangerous, and even more so in a car which has the driver quite exposed. For beginners, go-karting is recommended, prior to any actual race will most likely be really dangerous.

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Most people consider all kinds of sports extreme. To some extent, hockey, rugby and even football can be considered extreme, especially when the matches are particularly unsportsmanlike. But, these sports are at their heart just sports and people, like with any other sport, love betting on them and always try to receive a bonus with Matchbook, for example.

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https://www.rookieroad.com/formula-1/what-is/

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Formula 1 is the highest class and most prestigious car-racing category in the world. The name refers to the rules established by the International Automobile Federation, which all participants and cars must comply with. Formula 1 is a global endeavor, with a season of around 20 races in all corners of the globe. Formula 1 drivers also come from different parts of the world, making it a very popular sport worldwide. F1 cars can be considered some of the fastest in the sports world, making every race exciting and fun to watch. With all that, F1 has plenty of loyal fans, who are passionate about the sport, its teams, and their drivers.

History

The first Formula 1 races took place in 1950, with a driver's world championship being held for the first time that same year. At the time, Formula 1 racing was not as safe nor glamorous as it is today. A total of 13 drivers were killed during the first 10 seasons. While the excitement that comes from speed and Formula 1 race has not changed since 1950, the safety certainly has. The single most important advancements throughout F1 history has been those that made the sport safer. Thanks to that, Formula 1 today is still popular, and as strong as ever.

Equipment

Formula 1 equipment is amongst the most technologically advanced in sports. To make cars perform as fast as they can, and to be sure the drivers are safe inside those cars, Formula 1 teams invest a lot of money in developing their equipment. Here are a few of the essential pieces of equipment in F1:

Rules and Regulations

Formula 1 is considered to be quite a dangerous sport. In addition, any little engineering change can give a team a lot of advantage over others. Therefore, there are a lot of rules that refer to safety, car regulation, and on track behavior that must be followed by drivers and teams. Take a look at some of the most important rules and regulations in F1:

Maximum weight, width, height

Formula 1 teams must have their cars made within a maximum weight, width and height. The exact specifications may vary in between seasons.

Refueling

Although it was allowed in the past, cars are not allowed to refuel during a race, and thus must start the race with full tanks.

Flags

During a Formula 1 race, drivers can have flags of different colors waived at them. Each flag has a different meaning. The most common flags are the yellow, which means there has been an accident and thus no overtaking is allowed, and the blue flag, which means that the top cars in the grid are about to lap the slowest ones, and they must open space for that to happen.

Parc Fermé

After their cars are out in qualifying laps, teams cannot do any significant changes to the cars, including engine changes, gear box, brakes, and others. If that is done, teams get grid penalties, and their race start position is worse than it would originally have been.

Penalties

Depending on their behavior on the track, drivers can be awarded penalties by race officials. Things such as cutting corners to gain an advantage, exceeding track limits, causing collisions and speeding in the pit lane will cause drivers and teams to receive penalties. Those vary from 5 seconds added to final race time, to a mandatory pit entrance, and can go all the way up to disqualification from the race.

Lingo and Terminology

Formula 1 is full of terms and lingo that may sound odd to those who don't really follow motorsports. In addition, there are a lot of engineering terms that are used to describe cars and their performance. Here are some common F1 related terms and lingo, and their meanings:

Blistering: When tires overheat, blisters are formed in them. Blistering is not good, it means the tire is worn out and thus traction is being lost.

Chassis: One of the most important parts in the car, to which engine and suspension are attached.

Chicanes: A sequence of turns in opposite directions, chicanes are present in most F1 circuits.

DNF: Means Did Not Finish, when a driver cannot finish the race.

Drag: Resistance experienced by cars when moving forward. Drag slows cars down.

DRS: The Drag Reduction System are adjustable rear wings, which reduces drag and increases speed. There are rules for DRS application during a race.

Lock Up: When a driver breaks abruptly, locking the wheels.

Paddock: Is the area behind the pit area, in which drivers, team members and known personalities stay. Teams also keep their motorhomes and offices there.

Pits: An area separated from the track, where teams' garages are. During the race drivers come into the pits for stops where they change tyres.

Pole Position: The first position in the starting grid.

Safety car: A vehicle that is deployed when there is an incident that requires that cars stop racing. The safety car comes in front of the first driver and dictates the speed.

Formula 1 Drivers

Formula 1 drivers are like celebrities. They are part of the glamour and luxury that comes with the sport, and many look up to them in that matter. However, this doesn't mean that they are any less competitive, or that they are not elite athletes. Some drivers have made their marks in Formula 1 and in fans' hearts both for their wins in the track and personality out of it. Check out some of the best drivers in F1 history:

Formula 1 Teams

Throughout Formula 1 history, many teams have come and gone. The financial side of the sport makes it really hard for some teams to be competitive, or to stay racing for long. Nonetheless, there are Formula 1 teams who have a history of success in the sport, and have been on the grid for many years. There are usually 10 teams who participate in a Formula 1 season, although that number has been both higher and lower at times. Below there are a few teams who have been part of F1 for a significant and time and who have left their marks in the sport:

Formula 1 Brands

Many brands are associated with Formula 1. To begin with, teams are brands themselves, many teams are also car manufacturers, and use Formula 1 as a way to market themselves. In addition, teams and the F1 itself have lots of sponsors, who pay a lot of money for their brands to be associated with the sport. Drivers also have the brands that they like, which provides them with racing gear. Check out a few of the brands that are associated with F1:

Formula 1 Books and Movies

With a rich history, lots of drama, interesting characters, and cool stories; there is a lot of great Formula 1 content out there. Books and movies are widely popular, well-produced, and overall just very fun to watch and read. Some of the best F1 content is listed below:

"Rush"

Motion picture based on the real-life rivalry between Nikki Lauda and James Hunt during the 1980's.

"Senna"

Documentary about the life and impact of Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest drivers ever who had his life cut short in 1994 during a race.

"Drive To Survive"

Netflix-produced show about the behind the scenes of a Formula 1 season.

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Formula 1 is the highest class and most prestigious car-racing category in the world. The name refers to the rules established by the International Automobile Federation, which all participants and cars must comply with. Formula 1 is a global endeavor, with a season of around 20 races in all corners of the globe.

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https://newspatrolling.com/why-is-it-called-formula-1/

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Newspatrolling.com - News cum Content Syndication Portal Online

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Most of us know what Formula 1 or F1 is all about, as the premier racing event is widely advertised and covered in the media. However, the term 'Formula 1' seems a bit odd and it makes us wonder how it got that name. If you have similar thoughts, here's a quick look at how Formula 1 started and got its name.
Did car racing exist before Formula 1?
The answer is yes and the event was referred to as the European Championship. Although the name had 'European' in it, the event was essentially a world championship. It was governed by the Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus (AIACR). The event started in 1931 and continued till 1939, when it was stopped due to the start of World War 2.
How did Formula 1 start?
Post World War 2, the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI) decided to revive motor racing. It is to note that CSI served as the sporting arm of AIACR. The organization chose a new president, Augustin Perouse, who started work on devising a new Grand Prix formula. The AIACR title was also replaced with Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) at that time. This new title is still in use.

It's a bit difficult to determine who first came up with the idea of organizing a Formula One World Championship. However, the credit is often given to Marquis Antonio Brivio-Sforza, who represented Italy at 1946 FIA. Marquis was a former Grand Prix racer and quite passionate about racing.

Upon several rounds of discussion, the term 'formula' was thought to best represent the world racing tournament. Various names were suggested such as Formula Internationale, Formula A, etc. However, the organizers finally settled for Formula 1, as it gave a clear idea about the event's premium nature.
What were the original rules of Formula 1?
Originally, Formula 1 rules covered cars that had 4.5 liter naturally aspirated engines. In case of turbocharged engines, the capacity was limited to 1.5 liter. These rules were followed from 1950 to 1953.
Formula 1 current rules
Over the years, rules & regulations of Formula 1 have been updated several times. These rules cover various aspects such as chassis, engine, tires, refueling, driver and crew roles, scoring and penalties. For example, a F1 car's width and height cannot exceed 200 cm and 95 cm, respectively. Another key rule is that the combined weight of driver and car should be more than 680 kg. The engine has to be 1.6 liter V6 with power output in the range of 800-850 bhp. Fuel limit per race is 110 liter.

Formula 1 rules are updated regularly to provide for new technologies, ensure fair play and meet expectations of millions of racing enthusiasts globally.

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Why Is It Called Formula 1? - Newspatrolling.com

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Most of us know what Formula 1 or F1 is all about, as the premier racing event is widely advertised and covered in the media. However, the term 'Formula 1' seems a bit odd and it makes us wonder how it got that name.

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https://f1.fandom.com/wiki/1950_Formula_One_season

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1950 Formula One Season

Points system

5 places
8-6-4-3-2
(Fastest lap: 1 point)

The 1950 Formula One season was the inaugural FIA Formula One World Championship season, which commenced on May 13, 1950, and ended on September 3 after 7 races. The championship consisted of six Formula One races in Europe plus the Indianapolis 500, which was run to AAA/USAC regulations.

The World Drivers' Championship was won by Italian Guiseppe Farina. The Constructors' Championship did not begin until 1958.

Numerous other Formula One races, which did not count towards the Championship, were also held during the year.

1950 would be the penultimate season that would use the original Formula One ruleset that was stipulated by the AIACR in 1947. The rules were simply that no supercharged car could exceed 1.5 litre engines whilst non-supercharged cars were restricted to 3 litre engines.

The British Royal family were present at the British Grand Prix to witness the dominant Alfa Romeo's of Nino Farina, Juan Manuel Fangio and Luigi Fagioli storm around the circuit. Fangio would retire giving the early championship advantage to his teammates as Farina won, from Fagioli and Alfa Romeo guest driver Reg Parnell.

The Alfa Romeo's were joined on the front row of the grid by José Froilán González in his Maserati but it was Juan Manuel Fangio who got away better than his teammates leading around the first lap. When they got to the Tabac corner, near the harbour they found it had been flooded by a tidal wave, Nino Farina spun from 2nd and caused a multi-car pile-up as Fango got away. He would win from Alberto Ascari in a Ferrari and Louis Chiron in a Maserati after Luigi Villoresi who stalled in the mele and charged back to second retired his Ferrari with a broken rear axel from second.

None of the championship main runners attended this race, won by Johnnie Parsons in his Kurtis-Kraft.

In Switzerland, Nino Farina earned an easy victory after his main competitor around this difficult circuit as Juan Manuel Fangio retired. Luigi Fagioli finished second ahead of Louis Rosier in a Talbot-Lago and four Maserti's, Prince Bira and Felice Bonetto scoring the points. The race however would be remembered for a serious crash for French driver Eugène Martin when his Talbot-Lago barrel-rolled.

Johnny Claes had crashed his team truck on the way to his home race and was allowed to start from the back after his race car was escorted to the circuit on public roads by night. Raymond Sommer had been dropped by Ferrari after poor pace and raced his Talbot-Lago at Spa. In the race Sommer got passed his former teammates and went off in pursuit of the Alfa Romeo's. As Juan Manuel Fangio pitted for fuel, Sommer lead the race, the first driver to take the fight to Alfa all season. Unfortunately he blew his engine and the race finished Fangio, Luigi Fagioli and Louis Rosier. Nino Farina came home 4th with a struggling car which would be important for the championship.

The French Grand Prix was disappointing after the excitement of Spa. The Ferrari's were withdrawn after team principle Enzo Ferrari deemed them uncompetitive and the cars of Talbot-Lago and Maserati overheated. Nino Farina retired from the lead of the race leaving Juan Manuel Fangio an easy victory over Luigi Fagioli and Peter Whitehead in his privateer Ferrari who had wowed the crowd after starting from the back and Robert Manzon scoring the first points for Simca-Gordini.

Ferrari brought a new improved car to Monza where Alberto Ascari qualified second to Nino Farina. Farina was third in the championship and needed to win. He started well with Ascari in pursuit. When he pitted Ascari took the lead, only the second time this season that an Alfa hadn't lead. Sadly ascari blew his engine. Juan Manuel Fangio was driving cautiously, cruising to the title when his car broke down. He took over a teammates car and blew that up too. Farina won the race over Ascari, who had taken over a teammates car and Luigi Fagioli. Farina was champion.

In this first World Championship season, 14 teams (4 works and 10 independent) participated, alongside a number of privately entered cars, in the 6 European Grands Prix. Only US teams, constructors and drivers participated in the Indianapolis 500. The chassis, engine and car numbers varied from race to race.

The inaugural World Championship, ran to a formula which specified engine capacity of 1.5 litres supercharged or 4.5 litres unsupercharged.

Alfa dominate with their supercharged 158, a well-developed pre-war design, which won all six European Grands Prix. Alfa drivers consequently dominated the championship with Nino Farina edging out Juan Manuel Fangio by virtue of his fourth place in Belgium and Luigi Fagioli in the third Alfa was within contention throughout. Reg Parnell also scored a podium on a guest drive.

The French squad were the most consistent of the other manufacturers represented in the 1950 season, with drivers Louis Rosier, fourth in the championship and Raymond Sommer, after being sacked by Ferrari starring at parts and points finishes for other factory and non-factory drivers.

The Italians had mixed form as they experimented with different engines after starting the season with the Ferrari 125 and would experience mixed fortunes with Alberto Ascari finishing sixth in the championship whilst Luigi Villoresi was unplaced. The Ferrari ended the season strongly with Ferrari 375, an improved packaging fighting the Alfa's for victory at the season ending Monza GP.

Maserati entries struggled with their ageing models, Prince Bira scoring for the Enrico Plate team in what was often a close battle between fellow Maserati drivers for points. José Froilán González qualified third at Monaco for Scuderia Achille Varzi whilst Louis Chiron achieved the marques first podium in the Officine Alfieri Maserati at Monaco. Felice Bonetto also featured, scoring points for the Scuderia Milano team.

The little French squad scored points with Robert Manzon battling to a points finish at Reims in the Type 15.

ERA and Alta also featured in private hands, most notably with the brave Brit Bob Gerard.

Although the Indianapolis 500, which ran to different regulations, was included in the championship series until 1960, it attracted very little European participation and, conversely, very few American Indianapolis drivers entered any grand prix.

The following teams and drivers competed in the 1950 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Pos.

Driver

Pts.

1st 1st Ret DNA 1st 4th P 1st P
7th

30

2nd Ret 1st Ret 1st 1st Ret P
Ret P P P
27

3rd 2nd Ret 2nd 2nd 2nd 3rd
24 (28)

4th
5th
Ret 3rd 3rd
6th ‡

4th

13

5th 2nd Ret
5th
2nd‡
11

6th 1st
9

7th 2nd
6

9th 3rd
7th

4

=Ret 3rd
9th
Ret Ret
4

=3rd Ret
4

=3rd
4

13th 2nd‡
3

14th
4th
Ret Ret
8th

3

=
4th
Ret Ret Ret Ret
3

18th
8th
Ret Ret Ret
5th ‡

5th

3

20th Ret
5th ‡

1

21st
5th ‡

1

=
5th ‡
Ret

1

-Ret Ret
6th

6th

0

-Ret Ret
6th

0

-
6th ‡

0

-
7th P

0

-
10th ‡

0

-
10th ‡

0

-Ret DNA Ret Ret
0

-Ret Ret
0

-Ret Ret
0

-Ret‡
0

-Ret‡
0

-Ret
0

-
Ret
Ret‡

0

-Ret‡
0

-Ret‡
0

-DNS
0

‡ Position shared between multiple drivers of the same car

Fastest lap earns 1 point

Only the best 4 results counted towards the Championship. Numbers without parentheses are Championship points; numbers in parentheses are total points scored.

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The 1950 Formula One season was the inaugural FIA Formula One World Championship season, which commenced on May 13, 1950, and ended on September 3 after 7 races. The championship consisted of six Formula One races in Europe plus the Indianapolis 500, which was run to AAA/USAC regulations.

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https://flowracers.com/blog/how-to-get-into-formula-1/

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For many years, Formula 1 has been considered the pinnacle of all motorsport. As such, most racing drivers dream of racing in this elite series. However, with only 20 spots available on the grid and occupied by the best of the best, most people wonder how do you even get into Formula 1?

To get into F1, drivers usually go from karting into junior single seaters such as F3 and F2 before eventually being able to land a seat in a Formula 1 team. However, in recent years, new avenues have emerged. Sometimes drivers get into F1 through sheer financial backing.

There are a lot of elements to consider when it comes to getting yourself into Formula 1. The pathway that you take is important, however there are some crucial elements you need to have in place in order to make that path successful.

Becoming An F1 Driver Is Not Easy

The 4 Prerequisites To Become An F1 Driver

1. Talent

2. Money

3. Fitness

4. Time & Sacrifice

The Path To Getting Into Formula 1

Super Licence

Driver Academies

Karting

Esports

First Steps Into Single Seaters

Regional Formula 3 Open

FIA Formula 3

FIA Formula 2

Alternative Routes Into Formula 1

Getting A Seat In Formula 1

Final Thoughts

Becoming An F1 Driver Is Not Easy

Formula 1 is the elite of series of motorsport. There are some things you need to consider even before you start your journey onto the motorsport ladder. Below we are going to cover some areas that are absolutely key to becoming a Formula 1 driver. Without any one of these, your chances of reaching the top are very slim.

It’s so important to remember that Formula 1 is an extremely ruthless and cutthroat sport. If at any point you lose any of these key elements as a driver, your shot at reaching Formula 1, or even staying there could be at risk. There are thousands of other drivers out there to choose from, you need to be the one that rises to the top.

Don’t for one-minute think that Formula 1 is not achievable though, it definitely is. It’s just an extremely difficult journey. So, let’s quickly cover the 4 key elements you need to bear in mind before you start your pursuit of that coveted Formula 1 race seat.

The 4 Prerequisites To Become An F1 Driver

1. Talent

The first thing you will of course need is talent. Those 20 race seats in Formula 1 are reserved for the best drivers in the world. You won’t see a driver there who isn’t good at what they do. There may be some controversial drivers (who we call pay-drivers, more on that later). But the fact is that you need to be a capable driver with some talent in order to make it that far.

The junior motorsport ladder is put in place specifically for this reason. It shows which drivers are good and have a lot of potential. However, unfortunately, talent on its own is not enough. This has been a huge debate within the motorsport community for a number of years now. Many talented drivers have missed their chance at racing in Formula 1 for various reasons.

2. Money

That brings us onto arguably the most important factor you need to consider. Motorsport alone is expensive, but when you look at reaching Formula 1, the numbers become unfathomably high. Unfortunately, motorsport is a business. If you want to drive, you have to pay.

This is an issue all the way down the motorsport ladder, from Formula 1 all the way down to karting. This is why many drivers aren’t able to make it to Formula 1 even if they are extremely talented. Talent alone is not enough for a team to take you on and allow you to race their car.

The unfortunate reality is that even some Formula 1 drivers don’t get paid by a team to race. The bottom half of the grid relies on sponsors to pay their drivers rather than the team itself. Sponsors are extremely difficult to find, and unfortunately this is probably the main cause of the death of many driver’s careers.

However, it’s not all bad news. If you can land a big sponsor and keep them on board with you on your journey, you should be able to comfortably make your way up the ladder without having to constantly try and find sponsors.

There are of course other options such as agencies or driver managers. But of course, these will charge you a fee or commission on sponsorship deals. However, it does help to take the stress off finding sponsors and going into negotiations and being fully focused on your driving instead.

This is where the controversy comes in. Some drivers rely on their big sponsors or relatives to pay their way into Formula 1. Lawrence Stroll is one such example, his father bought the team that he is now racing for.

The argument is that these drivers do not deserve the seat because of the fact that they ‘cheated’ their way into a team rather than working harder for a team to take notice of them. However, the reality is that it is not always the case. A driver reaches Formula 1 through a motorsport ladder, but the funding certainly plays a big role in that.

Further into the article we will cover the exact costs you might be looking at when it comes to moving up the motorsport ladder. However, in total from karting all the way up to Formula 1 you are looking at spending around $10 million.

3. Fitness

Driver fitness was not always considered very important. But modern-day Formula 1 drivers are top athletes. Most of them are super-fit and compete in various athletic competitions in between seasons to keep fit.

If you want to make it to Formula 1, you will need to be really focused on being as fit as you possibly can be. The higher up the ladder you go, the more difficult the cars become to drive and the more fitness you need in order to stay competitive.

At the same time, you need to keep your race fitness up as well. Endurance and strength training is not enough to stay fit when you are not in the car. Unfortunately, there is no substitute to train your muscles for G Force’s that you will experience in the car.

4. Time & Sacrifice

Being a racing driver takes a lot of your time and it requires a lot of sacrifice, even if you are not at Formula 1 level. Firstly, you will be giving up your weekends in order to race. On top of that, some racing series require you to travel. After the race you will most likely be analysing data to see where you can improve.

During the week you are back at the gym or training to keep your fitness up. You will also be preparing for your next race; maybe you do some sim racing, or you watch onboard footage or study the circuit map.

When you are done with that, you might have some meetings with new sponsors, or attending events being hosted by your current sponsors. Or you might be working on a new social media campaign.

If you are still at school or still studying, this takes even more time away from your day. Either way, the life of a racing driver is a really busy one. So, prepare to sacrifice some time with your friends or family if you are serious about your career.

In addition to sacrificing time with your friends and family, you might also be sacrificing some relationships. If you are in school and you are open about your goals and ambitions to become a Formula 1 driver, you will always find some resistance towards it.

As with any ambitious athlete starting their career, there will always be some doubters and people telling you to keep on dreaming, that your goal is unachievable, and you are living a ‘pipe dream’. I can assure you that every single Formula 1 driver has heard it all at some point in their life.

Lewis Hamilton for example was bullied because of his dream to become a Formula 1 driver, but now he’s a 7-time Formula 1 world champion. It just shows what you can achieve when you shut out the negative influences and stay dedicated and committed.

You may even find some push back from family members. This is what hurts the most in your pursuit of becoming a Formula 1 driver, because you always expect your family to have your back and to support your dreams no matter what.

I want to assure you that your goals and your dreams are not unattainable. Every driver who is in Formula 1 right now has faced the same backlash from people, whether they were strangers, friends or even family.

With the right mindset, and a huge amount of dedication and commitment, you can become a Formula 1 driver. But it definitely won’t be an easy task. You just need to stay focused and do the absolute best that you possibly can, both on and off the track.

The Path To Getting Into Formula 1

Super Licence

Before you even reach Formula 1, there are a few requirements that you need to fulfil. Being the pinnacle of motorsport, there are of course some boundaries to overcome to get into this elite sport. In recent years it has become even more difficult to break into the world of Formula 1.

Max Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut at the extremely young age of only 17! After this, the FIA decided to put some measures in place in order to preserve the elitist nature of the sport, and to prevent anyone from becoming a Formula 1 driver at such a young age. As such, Max Verstappen will go down in the Formula 1 history books as the youngest driver to ever make a debut in the sport.

In order to qualify for a Formula 1 seat, a driver needs to possess a Super Licence. This has been in place for many years, however since the arrival of Verstappen, the FIA have brought in new rules to make a Super Licence more difficult to obtain.

A new system has been brought in which sees drivers scoring Super Licence points in junior categories. Only a few series qualify for Super Licence points, so you should pick your racing series based on where you will be scoring points on your Super Licence.

Here are the basic requirements for you to get your Super Licence:

Over 18 years of age

International Grade A competition licence holder

Valid driving licence in your national country

Passing an FIA theory test on Formula 1 sporting regulations

Complete 80% of two seasons in qualified single seater championships

Accumulated 40 Super Licence points over 3 seasons in any qualified championships

Here are the racing series that qualify for Super Licence points:

*These series are ordered in ‘importance’. For example, placing first in FIA Formula 2 will give you 40 Super Licence points, however, placing first in FIA Formula 3 will give you 30 points. In brackets you will find the amount of points given based on your finishing position in the final championship standings. Points are allocated to the top 10 positions in higher tiers, however less positions are given points in lower tiers.

FIA Formula 2 (40, 40, 40, 30, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3)

IndyCar (40, 30 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1)

FIA Formula 3 (30, 25, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1)

FIA Formula E (30, 25, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1)

European Formula 3 (30, 25, 20, 10, 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1)

FIA World Endurance Championship – LMP1 (30, 24, 20, 16, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2)

Formula Regional European Championship (25, 20, 15, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0)

Super Formula Championship (25, 20, 15, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0)

FIA World Endurance Championship – LMP2 (20, 16, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 0)

Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (20, 16, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 0, 0)

Super GT (20, 16, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 0, 0)

F3 Asian Championship (18, 14, 12, 10, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0)

F3 Americas Championship (18, 14, 12, 10, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0)

IMSA Prototypes (18, 14, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 1, 0, 0)

World Touring Car Cup (15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0)

Supercars Championship (15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0)

NASCAR Cup Series (15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0)

Indy Lights (15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0)

Formula Renault Europcup (15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0)

W Series (15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0)

Euroformula Open (15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0)

Super Formula Lights (15, 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0)

Formula 4 Championships (12, 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0, 0)

Asian Le Mans Series Prototypes (10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

European Le Mans Series Prototypes (10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

FIA World Endurance Series – LMGE Pro (10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

FIA World Endurance Series – LMGTE Amateur (10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

F3 Asian Championship Winter Series (10, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

National Formula 3 Series (10, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

Formula Mazda (10, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

NASCAR Xfinity Series (10, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

Toyota Racing Series (10, 7, 5, 3, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

International GT3 Series (6, 4, 2, 0, 0, 0 ,0 ,0 ,0, 0)

FIA Karting World Championships – Senior (4, 3, 2, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

FIA Karting Continental Championships – Senior (3, 2, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

FIA Karting World Championships – Junior (3, 2, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

FIA Karting Continental Championships Junior (2, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0)

Driver Academies

Formula 1 teams have put together their own driver academies which they use in order to scout for new young drivers and help them to get through the ranks to get into their Formula 1 teams. This is a huge help and massive confidence boost to any young driver; however, these academies are extremely difficult to get into.

With the backing of a Formula 1 team you will be given a lot of guidance on your career path. You will be assisted in finding sponsors, guided through fitness and diet as well as PR and media training. In addition, you will be working closely with the people who can get you into Formula 1.

Almost every team has its own driver academy in which they will scout drivers. It’s impossible to apply to become an academy member, however you can get in touch with them so that they will take notice of you.

One academy that I can definitely recommend you looking into is Campos Academy. Campos has a Formula 2 team; however, they also have an academy in Spain which you can enter (at a cost) and they will train you as a racing driver.

Some driver academies though, such as the Red Bull Junior Team have proven to be extremely ruthless. If you have a couple of bad races or a bad season, they could easily drop you from the team, and we have seen many drivers go through the academy without success.

However, they have produced some of the finest Formula 1 drivers that we have seen such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. So, if you are able to perform really well and consistently, they can take you directly into Formula 1, but it is extremely competitive.

On top of that, most driver academies don’t give you the option of choosing where or what you race. This is what the Red Bull Junior team has been criticised of for many years now, with drivers such as Antonio Felix Da Costa choosing to leave the team for that reason.

Karting

For many aspiring racings drivers karting is the first step of their career. It is the perfect step as well. Karting provides drivers with the ideal learning platform for car control as well as racecraft. The close wheel-to-wheel nature of the racing means that from a young age, drivers are able to learn how to control their vehicle around others at high speeds.

Many Formula 1 drivers start their karting careers at extremely young ages such as between 3 and 5 years old. However, it’s never too late, as some drivers started karting at ages of around 12 to 14 and still made it to Formula 1. The key is to learn how the sport works and to develop as a racing driver.

Karting is perfect because you can race locally in small championships as well as heading into huge international events to go up against the best karting drivers from around the world. It’s an opportunity to see where your strengths and weaknesses are as a driver and to find out if you really want to pursue a career in motorsport.

Karting can become an extremely competitive sport as most of the karts racing in their class are equal and only differ from set ups based on driver preferences. So, this makes it an ideal arena to showcase your talents and to measure how you compare to the other drivers.

However, this doesn’t mean that if you aren’t winning you won’t be successful in motorsport. Not every driver wins before they move onto the next level. Charles Leclerc for example lost out on the Under 18 Karting World Championships in 2012, however, he still made it to Formula 1, whereas the drivers who had finished 1st and 2nd in the same championship are nowhere near Formula 1.

So, just because you don’t win, doesn’t mean your motorsport career won’t be successful. At the same time, just because you do win, doesn’t mean you will be successful in motorsport. Everyone at that stage in their career is learning and growing towards their goals.

Karting is a good place for a driver to learn about setups which will become crucial by the time they step into single-seater racing. This is the perfect time to experiment with setups and to learn what kind of handling you prefer on your car. Knowing this before you move into single seaters will give your engineers a huge help in setting up your car.

The ages of drivers in karting varies greatly. You will find drivers from the young age of 3 all the way up to drivers who compete at ages of 20 and over. Some are seriously competitive, but others might just be racing as a hobby.

Your best career path in karting is to start early, at around age 8. Your goal should be to become familiar with the motorsport world and how it all works. You need to aim to win your local championship, and then try to raise a budget to compete at an international event with an experienced team that you can learn from.

Competing at an international event will give you an idea of how you measure up against other drivers from around the world, and you might even race against another future Formula 1 driver. In addition, international karting events are where scouts look out for up and coming drivers for driver academies.

If you perform well at an international event, it’s also something you can add onto your racing resume for future reference to prove to a single-seater team that you do have the experience and the talent required to drive for them.

Despite being the entry step into the world of motorsport, karting is still expensive. If you are starting from scratch, you are looking at around $11,000 to buy your own kart, plus the equipment and tools needed in order to compete.

A senior class kart (ages 15 and over) features a 30-horsepower engine, but thanks its extremely light weight can reach a top speed upwards of 70 MPH. It’s incredibly quick in cornering as well, as karts tend to slide rather than actually turn through corners. The combination of all these factors sets a good tone for what’s to come in a single-seater racing career.

Esports

Recently there has been a huge rise in Esports. Even Formula 1 teams now compete in their own Esports championship. This has led to a brand-new pathway to get into motorsport. If you have a console or a PC, you can now compete in various competitions which award a real-world racing prize to the winner.

This has been a huge help to aspiring drivers, especially those who do not have the budget to start off in karting. Motorsport has always been expensive, even just to try out. But if you can prove yourself in a less expensive series it might give you the ideal opportunity to get straight into a team at little to no cost.

This could even lead you into an official Formula 1 Esports team. From there if you can prove yourself and negotiate with the team you are racing for, you could maybe get yourself sponsorship for a season in Formula 3 while working as a simulator test driver for the team. This is just one example of how you can use Esports to land a seat on the motorsport ladder.

First Steps Into Single Seaters

Your first steps into a single seater are crucial ones. There are so many series across the world to consider. However, what is important here is not the Super Licence points just yet. You need to go for a series that will allow you to comfortably learn how to drive a single-seater car.

In terms of which age you should be in order to step foot in a single-seater racecar, it varies from driver to driver. Some start as young as 14 and others as late as 18. There’s no perfect age, its more about whether you are ready to take that step, in terms of car control and racecraft. Too early and you could shake your confidence in driving a powerful car. Too late and you can miss out on crucial single-seater race experience.

You need a good team around you that can help you to learn, grow and develop. This is why it’s important to choose a team with good experience and a strong history in the series they are racing in.

Since junior single seaters still have some element of unlimited testing (limited only by your budget) it’s a great idea to get as many miles as you can under your belt before the season starts. You don’t want to go into your first race weekend in a single-seater car still trying to get used to the car and getting a feel for it. Use this testing to find your limits in the car and become more comfortable with it.

There are a few ways that you can find yourself a seat in a junior single-seater series. The first step is to choose the championship that you want to race in. Let’s take Formula 4 UAE as an example. This is a great series because the cars are easy to learn (F4 is the best possible next step you can take out of karting). You get to partake in a support race on F1 weekend (Abu Dhabi GP, possibility of being scouted, plus more exposure in front of thousands of spectators).

So, once you have evaluated your series and you have chosen the one that’s right for you, you need to get in touch with some teams. The best way to do so is to visit the website of the series in question. On the website you will see a page that lists all of the teams that participate in the series.

Each team should have contact details on that page, but if they don’t, simply visit the team website and get in touch with them. You can either send them an email, or you can try to connect with the team owner or manager on social media (LinkedIn works best for this).

Find out how much it will cost for a season in your desired series, and make sure to ask exactly what it covers. The budget that they give you may not cover the travel and accommodation expenses for you to get to the circuit. In the case of Formula 4 UAE, you are looking at around $200,000 for a season.

Of course, the Formula 4 series is regional, so there are a few different series including US, Asia, and European series. Each one is the same concept but with different levels of competition and exposure, so choose whichever one suits you best. I have seen that the US series has the best media coverage, but in terms of competition and acclaim, the British series may be a better option.

Formula 4 is the best step out of karting in terms of a young driver’s learning curve, but it is really expensive. Don’t be afraid to explore different options. You don’t have to take the exact perfect path to get into Formula 1. There are tons of other fantastic series to consider as well.

Be sure to also get in touch with Formula Renault teams. This series has been around longer than Formula 4 and you will find some great racing in these series. Formula Renault has always been the go-to series before Formula 4 came along, and there’s no reason to ignore it going forward. This series will almost always be a cheaper option as well.

It’s also a great idea to look at a winter series. These are racing series like the Toyota Gazoo Racing Series in New Zealand. These series run during the December, January and February months. This is great because while other drivers are in between seasons, you will be racing. It will give you a head start when the season starts or keep you active and gaining experience in between your seasons. Lando Norris is one driver who participated in this exact same series and picked up some Super Licence points with his championship win.

Some other series you can also consider: Formula Mazda, Formula Ford, Toyota Gazoo Racing series, Formula Vee. The specs of these cars vary from one to another, but they are all similar in the sense they are considered the same class in terms of performance. So, let’s take a look at a Formula 4 car for reference.

Formula 4 cars feature a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine that puts out 160 horsepower. It introduces adjustable wings as a set up element and features a 6-speed paddle shift gearbox. These cars can reach speeds of over 150 MPH.

Just as a reference to how fast this car actually is, in case the stats weren’t enough. A track test was done in the UK between Porsche 911 Turbo S and a Formula 4 car. The Porsche, a $200,000 supercar set a lap time of 1:19.2. The Formula 4 car was taken around shortly after and it set a lap time of 1:13.0. That is 6 seconds faster, which in motorsport, is a lot!

Regional Formula 3 Open

In terms of your steps up the ladder moving into faster cars, you have some different options. Regional Formula 3 series has always been the preferred option for drivers moving up the ranks. For some like Max Verstappen, it was even the first step out of karting.

Regional Formula 3 series is great because you can race in your preferred region. For example, there are Formula 3 series in the US, Europe and Asia. You can even go more specific like British F3. Formula 3 is extremely competitive.

The process of finding a team is similar to Formula 4, but with such a long history in motorsport, Formula 3 features some really experienced and long-standing teams, most of whom have links to Formula 1 teams. One such team is Carlin racing.

Choosing your team becomes a bit more important here, as the teams with more history and experience tend to be the more competitive and successful ones, so if you are looking to win races you need to do some research into possible teams and their histories.

The budget here takes a big step up from the more junior series. Formula 3 has a bit more acclaim and the cars are faster and more expensive, so don’t expect to be paying the same amount as you did for Formula 4.

A season in British F3 for example will cost you around $500,000. But this series has seen winners such as Daniel Ricciardo, Takuma Sato and Rubens Barichello. The prices will vary between teams, so it’s important to look around and see which team fits your budget best.

This is also where the scouts will be most actively looking for up-and-coming talent to pick up for academies and sponsorships. So, if you are able to perform well here, then you could be well on your way to success.

These Formula 3 cars feature a 2.0 litre engine which produces 230 horsepower, and they weigh in at only 500kg. They feature a 6-speed sequential gearbox. These cars can top 160 MPH and can go from 0-60 MPH in just 3 seconds, making it the 4th fastest single seater car in the world.

FIA Formula 3

FIA Formula 3 was formerly known as the GP3 series. This Formula 3 series differs from the regional Formula 3 series not only in that it travels with the Formula 1 calendar, but also in terms of the cars. Therefore, you should expect this series to cost you a bit more than Regional F3.

Traveling with the Formula 1 teams gives you an incredible opportunity to feature as a support race to F1, as well as having your races broadcast across the world on the same platform as F1. This is the best way to get your name out there as a racing driver, and the easiest way that people will be able to spot your talent.

It’s not easy though, FIA Formula 3 features the best up and coming drivers in the world. The drivers will have gone through the same racing experience as you, if not better. Don’t expect to arrive and immediately start winning against this tough competition.

These Formula 3 cars are completely different to the Regional Formula 3 cars. You will notice a big difference in how the car looks, but also in terms of its performance.

The FIA F3 cars feature a 3.4 litre V6 engine that puts out 340 horsepower. The cars are all the same to make it more about the driver and their abilities. These cars are around 6 seconds slower than Formula 2 cars, and around 20 seconds slower than Formula 1, so they are still really fast.

The cost of a season in FIA Formula 3 is around $800,000. Again, it depends on the team you are looking at joining. The process for finding a team stays the same as before. Contact the various teams or team owners who participate in the series to find out how much they ask for a seat in the team.

It’s extremely rare for a team at this level to go out and look for a driver. They always have drivers coming to them to ask for a seat, so there’s no need for them to go out and look for one. In addition, the driver (or their sponsors) needs to pay in order to race, so it is pointless for them to look for drivers who might not even have the budget to race.

FIA Formula 2

FIA Formula 2 is the step up from Formula 3. In this series, you will be sharing track time with Formula 1. Your race sessions will be either directly before or after the F1 sessions, so now you have even more exposure in front of thousands of spectators who are there for F1.

Formula 2 also is considered to be the final step before you reach Formula 1, so there is a huge focus on these drivers, and they are often closely watched by the media as well as the Formula 1 teams. At this point, most drivers are already backed by some form of a driver academy.

You will see a lot of drivers who are part of the Ferrari, Renault, Mercedes or Red Bull junior teams. You will need to really perform well in this series, as it is considered the make-or-break series for potential Formula 1 drivers.

Despite that, even if you do win a championship, you are still not guaranteed a drive in a Formula 1 team for the next season. It’s important in this series that you are not only quick on track, but you are able to show that you stand out off track in terms of your personality and media capabilities.

You will have the advantage of being in the same paddock as the Formula 1 teams and drivers though, so you will need to use that to your advantage and make as many connections as you possibly can while you are there.

The cost for a season in this series doubles from a season in Formula 3, and you are looking at around $1.7 million for a season. Most driver spend 2 or 3 seasons in this series though, so you might be looking at even more than that.

However, the exposure you get from this series is huge, and even if you don’t make it into Formula 1, many drivers have moved on into another series such as LMP1 or even Formula E. Being in Formula 2 gives you a huge advantage as a driver looking to race since it’s an experience that so few actually get.

Formula 2 racing is extremely competitive and exciting, as you would notice if you were to watch a race weekend. This series aims to develop your skill as a driver even further. All cars are equal once again like in Formula 3, so that no teams with bigger budgets can build a better performing car.

The series also features a reverse grid race, which means if you won the first race of the weekend, you will be starting further back in the second race. This is to ensure that drivers develop their overtaking skills in these high-speed cars and don’t just qualify on pole and stay in front for the entire race.

Formula 2 cars are the closest you will get to Formula 1 on the junior single seater ladder. These cars feature a 3.4 litre turbocharged V6 engine which can output 620 horsepower. These cars are around 13 seconds slower than a Formula 1 car in terms of lap times, which is still incredibly fast.

That means that these cars can lap faster than any road-legal car. If you make it to Formula 2, your chances of getting into Formula 1 are as high as they will ever be, but at the same time it’s still not guaranteed!

As we have seen recently, Renault Formula 1 team for example chose to bring back Fernando Alonso for the 2021 season rather than promoting one of their academy drivers from Formula 2.

Alternative Routes Into Formula 1

Despite the single seater ladder being the ideal route into Formula 1, it’s not the only way. As you saw earlier, there are a ton of other series that also provide Super Licence points. Many drivers have been called into Formula 1 from other series as well.

IndyCar is one such option. Although there haven’t been major switches from IndyCar to Formula 1, we have seen drivers go from Formula 1 to IndyCar. Alexander Rossi is one example of that, and so is Takuma Sato.

IndyCar has a huge Super Licence point count, and in theory, the IndyCar champion can switch straight to Formula 1 based on their Super Licence points that they have earned. The only obstacle here is contact with Formula 1 teams and negotiating for a competitive seat in a top team.

We have seen drivers in the past even make a surprise entry from the LMP1 series in the WEC. Brendon Hartley for example went from winning the WEC with Porsche to racing for Toro Rosso for a short while.

Japanese Super Formula is considered to be the closest car to match a Formula 1 car. It’s easy to see why too, they look almost identical to Formula 1 cars. For this reason, many drivers have used this series as a stepping-stone to reach Formula 1. Formula 1 teams often look to the Japanese Super Formula series to look for potential future drivers.

Even a series that does not feature open-wheel race cars like the DTM in Germany also awards Super Licence points. Although the cars are polar opposites to single seater race cars, you can even use this series to get into Formula 1.

The standard route into Formula 1 is not the only one that is viable. Don’t be afraid to explore other options based on your budget or level of experience. In the pursuit of becoming a Formula 1 diver, you need to be really open minded. You might need to spend a few years in WEC or IndyCar, but if you are driven and committed enough, you will eventually break through into Formula 1.

Sometimes you need to do the opposite to what everyone else is doing in order to stand out from the crowd. Perhaps a DTM driver with a Formula 1 dream will create a better story and lure in new sponsorship avenues to explore. The point is, it’s your journey and you need to make it your own rather than simply copying what has worked in the past.

Getting A Seat In Formula 1

Formula 1 is a strange sport. Sometimes teams will offer junior drivers contracts and pay them to race. Other times you will find that a driver buys their way into a team through an extremely rich relative (Lance Stroll) or an extremely successful sponsorship (Pastor Maldonado).

Other teams will be used as a junior team to bring in academy drivers, with the parent team providing the finances for the driver’s season (Alfa Romeo and Alpha Tauri – formerly Toro Rosso). Being a Formula 2 driver is stressful, you not only have to perform and show your potential as a Formula 1 driver, but you also have to wait for the perfect moment.

Teams will only take on new drivers once their current contract has run out. You will also only be looking at bottom tier teams and midfield at best for your first season. The top teams will only sign drivers with Formula 1 experience (there are some exceptions to this though – Lewis Hamilton with Mclaren in 2007).

Landing a seat in a Formula 1 team is tough but staying there is even more difficult. There is a constant pressure on you to perform because at any moment in time, there are 100 drivers or more ready to grab that seat straight from underneath you.

Final Thoughts

A seat in a Formula 1 team is what many drivers dreams of having. Reaching the pinnacle of motorsport is not an easy task though, and definitely not a cheap one either. You will need extreme focus and dedication, as well as the talent to match it.

From start to finish, if you take the ideal path to Formula 1, you are looking at a budget of around $10 million. Be prepared to find sponsors who can pay huge amounts of money, and don’t expect to be paid for racing until you reach Formula 1. Be prepared to face a lot of rejection.

Along the way, you will face a lot of obstacles, and a lot of tough competition. You will also have a lot of people who will tell you that you can’t achieve it. Stay focused on your goal, work hard and try your best. Your goal is definitely difficult, but not unachievable. Just remember, every single driver, even Lewis Hamilton has been where you are now. You just need to take that first step.

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How to Get into F1: The Ultimate Guide – FLOW RACERS

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For many years, Formula 1 has been considered the pinnacle of all motorsport. As such, most racing drivers dream of racing in this elite series. However, with only 20 spots available on the grid and occupied by the best of the best, most people wonder how do you even get into Formula 1?