What is Formula 1®? The complete guide to Formula 1® explained

Often referred to as the ‘pinnacle of motorsport,’ Formula 1® is a historic international sport with a growing popularity in the US. And, with everything from Netflix smash hits to Hollywood movies bringing Formula 1® races to the heart of pop culture, it’s only going to get bigger and better from here.

But what exactly is F1®, and how does it work? Whether you’re trying to get into Formula 1® or just want to know what all the fuss is about, read on to learn everything you need to know about Formula 1® ahead of the 2026 season.

So, what is Formula 1®?

Formula 1® is an international racing competition with open-wheel single-seater cars. F1® teams and their drivers travel around the world competing for two championship titles: the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship.

Is F1® a sport?

Yes, Formula 1® is a sport. In fact, it’s the world’s most prestigious motorsport and F1® drivers are widely considered some of the fittest athletes in the world.

What do you call an F1® race?

An F1® race is called a Grand Prix™. This is French for Grand Prize - referring to the honour of winning a race… as well as the big trophy!

When did F1® start?

The origins of Formula 1® date back to the early European Grand Prix championships in the 1920s. But, F1® as we know it today started with the World Championship of Drivers in 1950. The first-ever F1® race was the British Grand Prix in Silverstone, England, on May 13, 1950.

How fast do F1® cars go?

F1® cars typically travel at speeds between 200 and 233 miles per hour. The highest speed ever recorded was 234.9 mph, by Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas.

How long are F1® races?

Every F1® race is different, with the full distance depending on the track or street circuit. The minimum length of a Grand Prix is 190 miles, except for Monaco, which is 160 miles long.

A typical race will last around 90 minutes. But, depending on yellow flags and safety cars, F1® races can last up to 2 hours.

How to get into F1®

If you’re looking for ways to get into F1®, there are many TV shows, movies, and podcasts to choose from. The obvious place to start is with ‘Drive to Survive’ on Netflix. If you know nothing about F1® teams or F1® drivers, this behind-the-scenes documentary will get you up to speed.

Popular Formula 1® podcasts include F1®: Beyond the Grid, F1® Nation, and Eff Won with DRS. If you want to know more about the F1® teams and all the 2026 F1® drivers before you binge-watch and listen to these, we’ve got you covered.

Who are the F1® Teams?

There are currently 10 F1® teams (also known as ‘constructors’).

• Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team
• Oracle Red Bull Racing
• Scuderia Ferrari HP
• BWT Alpine Formula One Team
• MoneyGram Haas F1 Team
• Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team
• Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team
• Audi Revolut F1 Team
• McLaren Formula 1 Team
• Atlassian Williams Racing
• Cadillac Formula 1 Team

How many F1® Drivers are there?

Each team has two drivers, making a total of 22 drivers for 2026. F1® drivers compete together to score points for the Constructors’ Championship, but they’re also competing as individuals for the Drivers’ Championship. This can create tense and chilly team dynamics!

Here’s the driver line-up for 2026:

• Oracle Red Bull Racing - Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda
• Scuderia Ferrari HP - Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc
• BWT Alpine Formula One Team - Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan
• MoneyGram Haas F1 Team - Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman
• Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team - Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar
• Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team - Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll
• Audi Revolut F1 Team - Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto
• McLaren Formula 1 Team - Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
• Atlassian Williams Racing - Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz
• Cadillac Formula 1 Team - Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas

How many F1® races are there in a season?

In 2026, there will be 24 Formula 1® races, however, this number does not stay the same on a yearly basis! Races take place on a Sunday, with practice and qualifying sessions on Friday and Saturday. Some Grand Prix weekends also include extra sprint races.

To view the full F1® race schedule for 2026, check out our Watch Party page.

How do points work in F1®?

Only the top 10 drivers earn points in a Grand Prix. Championship titles have come down to a single point in the past, so every point matters!

• 1st - 25 points
• 2nd - 18 points
• 3rd - 15 points
• 4th - 12 points
• 5th - 10 points
• 6th - 8 points
• 7th - 6 points
• 8th - 4 points
• 9th - 2 points
• 10th - 1 point

For sprint races, only the top 8 drivers score points.

• 1st - 8 points
• 2nd - 7 points
• 3rd - 6 points
• 4th - 5 points
• 5th - 4 points
• 6th - 3 points
• 7th - 2 points
• 8th - 1 point

What to expect in the 2026 F1® Season

The 2026 Formula 1® season starts in Australia on March 6th, and if the end of the last F1® season is anything to go by, we’re in for many surprises.

If you want to soak up the exciting race atmosphere with other F1® fans, why not come to one of F1® Arcade’s watch parties? With live coverage on big-screen TVs plus interactive games, food, and drinks, it’s the perfect place to fall in love with Formula 1®.

Need even more of a reason to tune into the 2026 F1® season? Here are some of the top storylines we’re excited about this year!

One of the most exciting things about the 2026 F1® season is that nobody knows exactly who will come out on top. The new regulations have reset the playing field with lighter, more agile cars and brand-new power unit rules, which means Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS could have a real shot at returning to the top, unless Scuderia Ferrari gets there first and makes the most of F1®’s new era. With the season opening in Australia on March 6–8 and plenty of unpredictability already surrounding the front of the grid, this year could deliver one of the most dramatic title fights in Formula 1® history.

Want to feel like an F1® driver? Visit F1® Arcade!

Getting excited about the 2026 F1® season? Get down to F1® Arcade and experience Formula 1® up close and personal.

With our state-of-the-art racing simulators, you can see what it feels like to drive an F1® car, play against your friends, or battle with strangers. You can also test your reaction time on our Batak-style games and refuel with delicious meals, bar snacks, drinks, and cocktails.

Find an F1® Arcade near you now and head down for some Formula 1® fun!