How to Become an F1 Driver
by Frederic Vervaecke
- What is F1?
- How to be an F1 Driver?
- F1 Driver Qualifications
- Are F1 cars manual?
- How to Qualify for an F1 Race?
- F1 Qualifying Process
- Number of Laps in an F1 Race
- How much do F1 Pit Crew Make?
- When is the Next F1 Race?
- Chinese GP
Thumbnail: Podium F1 drivers 2015 Malaysia By Morio (CC BY 4.0)
What is F1?
F1, or Formula One, is the premier class of international single-seater auto racing and is considered by many to be the best in motorsports. Under FIA's control, it has the world's fastest and most technologically advanced cars. F1 drivers and teams race annually for the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships, where races are held all over the world, displaying speeds of up to 370 km/h. The sport's history is traced to the first championship race held at the British Grand Prix in 1950.
How to be an F1 Driver?
F1 Driver Qualifications
Drivers must obtain an FIA Super License to race in F1. The criteria are that you must be at least 18, hold a valid driving license, and you should be in possession of an FIA International Grade A license. Candidates are required to pass a theory test governed by FIA that includes F1 regulations and also have significant experience in lower single-seater championships, achieving at least 80% of races over two full seasons and then accruing a minimum of 40 Super License points. A list of detailed criteria can be found here.
Are F1 cars manual?
No, traditional manual transmissions are not used in Formula 1 cars. However, they are fitted with very automatic semi-automatic sequential gearboxes. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel are used by drivers to upshift and downshift, while the gear shifting itself is controlled by advanced electric solenoids, hydraulic actuators, and sensors.
How to Qualify for an F1 Race?
F1 race qualification consists of two free practice sessions, a third practice session, and qualifying sessions that set the grid for the race. The qualifying sessions are split into Q1, Q2, and Q3, in which the drivers compete to establish the fastest lap times. These sessions determine the positions on the starting grid for the race, which takes place on Sunday.
F1 Qualifying Process
In Q1, all drivers have 18 minutes for setting fast laps; the five slowest will be eliminated. In Q2, the fastest 15 drivers from Q1 compete for a place in the top ten, and five more drivers are eliminated after 15 minutes. The last Q3 session is twelve minutes long and determines the pole position through the fastest lap times posted by the remaining ten drivers.
Number of Laps in an F1 Race
F1 races are multi-lap, with an average of 44 to 78 laps per race. The number of laps in a Formula 1 race is not standard and differs from track to track. The length of the race is considered to be the smallest number of complete laps in excess of 305 kilometers (189.5 miles), except for the Monaco Grand Prix, which is shorter at 260 kilometers (161.5 miles) due to the track's tight and twisty nature.
How much do F1 Pit Crew Make?
F1 pit crew members have salaries that depend on their functions in the team. The highest salary might be about $1,000,000, while the second-highest position, the Tyre Changer, makes around $350,000, and the third does approximately $150,000. Minor roles like the Starter Man or Fire Extinguisher Man go for $30,000 to $40,000 annually. Apart from fixed salaries, pit crew members are usually rewarded with race win bonuses, which motivate them more to perform and deliver the task required for the team's success.
Though an F1 driver is the ultimate dream for many young racers, the course to the top is very difficult and competitive. Frequently, those who failed to become F1 drivers take working in a pit as a better opportunity.
When is the Next F1 Race?
Chinese GP
The Chinese Grand Prix is the next significant event on the F1 calendar. It is planned to take place from April 19 to 21, 2024, at the Shanghai International Circuit. This race is part of the global F1 championship series, which includes various Grand Prix events in different countries worldwide. You can check the schedule of subsequent Grand Prix events below
Date | Day | Venue |
May 3 | Friday (Practice) | Miami International Autodrome - Miami Gardens, FL |
May 4 | Saturday (Qualifier) | Miami International Autodrome - Miami Gardens, FL |
May 5 | Sunday (Race) | Miami International Autodrome - Miami Gardens, FL |
October 18 | Friday (Practice) | Circuit of the Americas - Austin, TX |
October 19 | Saturday (Qualifier) | Circuit of the Americas - Austin, TX |
October 20 | Sunday (Race) | Circuit of the Americas - Austin, TX |
November 21 | Thursday (Practice) | Las Vegas Strip Autodrome - Las Vegas, NV |
November 22 | Friday (Qualifier) | Las Vegas Strip Autodrome - Las Vegas, NV |
November 23 | Saturday (Race) | Las Vegas Strip Autodrome - Las Vegas, NV |
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