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The first F1 race -

The first official Formula 1 race was held at Silverstone, UK, on May 13, 1950. Italian driver Giuseppe Farina won the race and later became the first F1 champion.

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Why it's called Formula 1 -

Formula 1 gets its name from the "formula," a set of strict rules that all teams and cars must follow. The "1" signifies it as the highest level of single-seater motorsport, above all other racing categories.

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How teams and drivers are selected -

F1 features 10 teams, each with two drivers, totaling 20 drivers per season. Teams select drivers based on talent, experience, and sponsorship backing, often scouting from the F2 league or junior programs.

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Most world championships -

Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the record for most F1 titles, each winning seven championships.

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Youngest world champion -

Sebastian Vettel became the youngest F1 world champion in 2010 at 23 years and 134 days old. He won four consecutive titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013.

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Fastest pit stop -

Red Bull Racing holds the record for the fastest pit stop at 1.82 seconds, achieved during the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix while servicing Max Verstappen's car.

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Most Grand Prix wins -

Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most race wins in F1 history, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s 91 victories. Hamilton has won over 100 Grand Prix races.

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Wet weather specialists -

Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher were famous for their wet-weather driving skills. Their ability to handle slippery conditions made them nearly unbeatable in rainy races.

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Monaco Grand Prix challenge -

The Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most prestigious but difficult races. Its tight streets and minimal overtaking opportunities make it a true test of driver skill.

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The iconic Senna-Prost rivalry -

Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost's rivalry in the late '80s and early '90s remains one of the fiercest battles in F1 history, marked by controversial clashes and intense competition.

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Oldest world champion -

Juan Manuel Fangio became the oldest F1 world champion at 46 years old in 1957. The Argentine won five titles in the 1950s, a record that stood for decades.

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Most consecutive wins -

Sebastian Vettel holds the record for the most consecutive Grand Prix wins, securing nine straight victories during his 2013 season with Red Bull Racing.

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First woman in F1 -

Since Maria Teresa de Filippis' 1958 debut, only a few women have entered F1. Lella Lombardi remains the only female driver to score points, while Giovanna Amati was the last to attempt qualifying in 1992.

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The iconic Ferrari -

Scuderia Ferrari is the only team to have competed in every F1 season since the championship's start in 1950. They're also the most successful team in history.

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Fastest ever F1 car -

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG W11 is considered one of the fastest F1 cars ever built, reaching record-breaking lap times and dominating the season with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

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F1 tragedies -

Formula 1 has seen tragic accidents, with drivers like Ayrton Senna and Jules Bianchi losing their lives. These incidents led to crucial safety improvements.

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The halo device -

Introduced in 2018, the halo safety device protects drivers from head injuries. It was initially controversial but has since proven crucial in preventing fatal accidents.

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Youngest F1 driver -

Max Verstappen became the youngest driver to start an F1 race at 17 years and 166 days old during the 2015 Australian Grand Prix.

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First night race -

The Singapore Grand Prix, introduced in 2008, was the first-ever Formula 1 night race. The race’s illuminated city backdrop makes it one of the most spectacular events.

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The cost of an F1 car -

An F1 car costs around US$12-15 million to build, with components like the power unit, aerodynamics, and advanced materials contributing to the high price.

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Fastest lap in F1 history -

The fastest lap in F1 history was set by Lewis Hamilton at Monza in 2020, averaging 164.267 mph (264.363 km/h) in a flying lap.

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The triple crown of motorsport -

Only one driver, Graham Hill, has won motorsport's Triple Crown: the Monaco Grand Prix, the Indianapolis 500, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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Shortest F1 career -

Marco Apicella holds the record for the shortest F1 career, retiring after just 800 meters (875 yards) of the 1993 Italian Grand Prix due to a crash on the first lap.

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F1 cars are incredibly light -

Modern F1 cars weigh around 1,759 lbs (798 kg) with the driver included. Strict regulations govern their weight to maintain performance and safety standards.

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Longest F1 race -

The 2011 Canadian Grand Prix holds the record for the longest race in F1 history, lasting 4 hours, 4 minutes, and 39 seconds due to heavy rain and multiple safety car periods.

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Most podiums in a season -

Max Verstappen holds the record for the most podium finishes in a single season, achieving 21 podiums out of 22 races during the 2023 season.

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First F1 race outside Europe -

The 1953 Argentine Grand Prix was Formula 1's first race outside Europe, highlighting its global expansion. President Juan Perón presented the winner’s trophy to Alberto Ascari.

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The fastest F1 track -

The Monza circuit in Italy, known as the "Temple of Speed," is the fastest track on the calendar, with cars regularly exceeding 224 mph (360 km/h).

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Only American champion -

Phil Hill remains the only American-born driver to win the F1 World Championship, securing the title in 1961 with Ferrari.

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Most races in a season -

In 2024, the F1 calendar featured 24 races across five continents. The championship continues to grow, adding new and exciting locations around the world to its schedule.

Sources: (Formula 1) (The Times) (ESPN)

See also: Sports stars who died too young

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