What is Formula 1?
Formula 1, or F1, is the top level of single-seater auto racing. Teams build their own high-tech cars, and drivers compete in Grand Prix races around the world.
The Formula 1 World Championship began in 1950, with the first race held at Silverstone in England. The word formula refers to the set of rules that every car must follow. A season usually has more than 20 Grand Prix races on five continents, held on purpose-built tracks and some city street circuits like Monaco and Singapore.
There are two championships each season: one for drivers and one for constructors, the teams. Ten teams each enter two drivers. Famous teams include Ferrari, the oldest and most successful, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull. F1 cars can reach more than 350 kilometers per hour and use powerful hybrid engines.
New rules for 2026
The 2026 season introduced major rule changes, including smaller, lighter cars and engines that rely much more on electric power and run on sustainable fuels. New manufacturers joined, including Audi, which took over the Sauber team, and Cadillac, which became the 11th team on the grid.
Did You Know?
Because of their aerodynamics, F1 cars produce so much downforce that, in theory, they could drive upside down on a ceiling at high speed.