• Free rides are held for three sessions, Friday for 1.5 hours, Saturday for 1 hour. Typically, two sessions are held on Friday, one on Saturday before qualifying. At the Monaco Grand Prix, the first 2 sessions take place on Thursday, and the last one, as usual, on Saturday. During free races, riders drive the track in a free, comfortable mode for them to get acquainted with the track and tune the car.
• To race, a pilot must participate (that is, complete at least 1 lap) in at least one free practice session.

Qualification

Over the long history of Formula 1, the qualification format has changed several times. All formats used in Formula 1 can be found in the article "Formula 1 Qualification".

The qualification is held on Saturday and consists of sessions. The first session lasts 20 minutes. The second session is shorter - 15 minutes. The third is the shortest - 10 minutes. During each session, the pilot can drive as many laps as he wants and has time. The circle with the shortest time will be taken into account.

1. All pilots participate in the first session. They drive an arbitrary number of laps. For each pilot, a best time passing the circle, and the last 5 pilots drop out of the struggle for the starting position, taking places from 16th to 20th.
2. In the second session, the remaining 15 pilots take part, again driving circles in a free mode. Again, 5 pilots who showed the worst time at the end of this session are eliminated. They are ranked 11th to 15th.
3. The third session is attended by 10 pilots who showed the best lap times in the second session. They compete with each other on the same terms as before. The best lap times are compared again, identifying the drivers in the top 10 at the start of the race.

This procedure is applicable in the case of 20 cars, if 22 cars are involved, then after the first and second sessions, six participants are excluded. If 24 cars are involved, then after the first and second sessions, seven participants are excluded.

In the first and second sessions, pilots can drive the qualifying laps with any amount of fuel in their tanks. The cars eliminated in the first two sessions are then refueled with the fuel with which they will start the race. Drivers starting in the third session must be fueled for the race before starting their first attempt. At the end of the qualification, it is forbidden to add fuel to these cars. After the end of the qualification, the cars are sent to a closed park, that is, before the start of the race, you cannot significantly change its settings, refuel or "change shoes" in another set of tires. After the end of the session, the FIA ​​announces the results of the checkweighing of the cars, so that teams and spectators can judge how much fuel the opponents have on board.

If the stewards impose penalties on the pilots or the team in the form of deprivation of several places at the start, these penalties are applied immediately before the start of the race, that is, the qualification takes place without taking them into account.

Race

• The race is held on Sunday, from 14:00 local time in European countries and more late time in Asian countries and Australia so that the broadcast in Europe does not fall too early in the morning. During the race, the pilots must drive the number of laps, which is predetermined based on the length of the circuit of the circuit. The number of laps is selected so that the total distance of the race is equal to or at least exceeds 305 km (with the exception of 260 km at the Monaco Grand Prix). In this case, the race cannot last more than two hours. This means that if in 2 hours the leader does not cover the entire distance of the race, then after 2 hours the circle on which the riders will be at the moment will be announced as the last one.
• Fifteen minutes before the warm-up lap of the race, the cars must leave the pit lane and take their places on the grid according to the qualifying results. At the starting grid, cars can be serviced by team personnel, but 15 seconds before the warm-up lap of the race, everyone except the drivers in the cars must leave the starting field.
• At a traffic light, pilots must drive a warm-up lap during which they are not allowed to overtake each other. The warm-up lap is mainly used to warm up the rubber, thus improving its racing performance. At the end of the warm-up lap, the cars line up again on the starting grid and, after the traffic lights signal, start the race in combat mode.
• During the race, a team can use an arbitrary number of pit stops to refuel the car and / or change tires. The number of pit stops and how they will be distributed during the course of the race determines the strategy of the race. Often a good strategy can lead to the superiority of a weaker machine over a stronger one. Most often, teams run from 1 to 3 pit stops for each car, depending on the track and the chosen strategy. But in unforeseen situations, the number of pit stops can multiply. This could be due to a malfunction or damage to the car, or to sudden changes in weather conditions. In the latter case, not only does the tire change on the car, but also the angles of attack of the rear wings are regulated. In case of damage to the car at the pit stop, some of its parts can be replaced, such as the front fairing with a wing, steering wheel, etc.
• When entering the pit lane, the rider must reduce the speed to 100 km / h (on free runs up to 60 km / h). This is due to both safety issues and the fact that sometimes the path through the pit lane is shorter than the path along the track. At the pit stop, the pilot stops in front of his team's pits. At this point, the mechanics simultaneously refuel the car, change tires and carry out other necessary modifications. At the moment of a pit stop, the teamwork in Formula 1 is especially noticeable: the mechanics act quickly and harmoniously, usually a pit stop takes less than 10 seconds.
• At the end of the race, the first 8 drivers, as well as their teams, receive points according to the 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 system. The first, second and third place drivers go up to the podium and receive trophies. The representative of the winning team also receives the cup. In honor of the winner, the anthem of his country is played, and then the anthem of the country for which the winning team is playing. This is followed by a traditional champagne shower: the pilots pour champagne over each other, congratulating on the successful Grand Prix. In Bahrain, a carbonated soft drink is used instead of champagne due to Islamic restrictions.
• In exceptional cases, when the continuation of the competition threatens the life or health of the pilots, the race may be stopped ahead of schedule. At the same time, a red flag is posted on the track. The question of resuming the race in this case is decided by the Directorate of the Grand Prix. If the race does not resume, and the riders have covered 75% of the distance by this time, then the finishing result is the order of places that existed two laps before the race was stopped (that is, if the leader is overtaken on the last or penultimate lap, then the driver who overtaken the race will not declared winner, see for example the incident at the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix). If, by the time the race was stopped, the riders had not covered 75% of the distance, and the race did not resume, then the riders receive half of their points.

Scoring system

Each season of Formula 1 is a competition for the pilots for the World Championship, and the teams for the Constructors' Cup. Throughout the season, the points scored by the pilot at the Grand Prix are added to the points that are already on his account. The team receives for each race all the points scored by both of its drivers. At the end of the season, points are counted and the winners in both nominations are identified.

For the race, points are awarded to the first 8 drivers if they are included in the final classification. If the race was stopped for any reason and the riders covered more than 50% of the distance, half points are awarded, if the pilots covered more than 75% of the entire distance, the race is considered over and full points are awarded.

The scoring system is as follows:
• 1st place - 10 points
• 2nd place - 8 points
• 3rd place - 6 points
• 4th place - 5 points
• 5th place - 4 points
• 6th place - 3 points
• 7th place; - 2 points
• 8th place - 1 points

In the event of a tie, the overall victory is awarded to the rider / team with the most wins.

Formula 1 is, in the opinion of many, the queen of motorsport, because it combines the personal skills of racers, skills in urgent service maintenance, as well as the skill of automobile concerns in creating unique and ultra-high-speed cars. As you might have guessed, today we are talking about Formula 1 racing: history, rules, personalities and places.

Race

Formula 1 is the world championship in circuit racing. The championship is held annually, and the stages of the Formula 1 race are called the Grand Prix. The Grand Prix takes place in various countries, usually on weekends, from March to November. At the end of the year, the winner is determined - the pilot and the team. The pilots compete in the personal ranking for the title of World Champion, and the teams for the constructors' cup.

After each race, the drivers and teams that took from the first to the tenth place receive points: from 25 to 1. The counting is carried out all year round and, in fact, determines the winner.

The race cars on which the pilots perform, as already mentioned, are produced by the team itself. Cars must pass a crash test and comply with the FIA ​​technical regulations.

FIA is international federation motorsport, founder of Formula 1. FIA stewards are responsible for ensuring that all racing cars are compliant.

Rules

1. Each team exhibits one car of its own production for the race, only the motor can be purchased from a third-party manufacturer.
2. For each race, the team will exhibit two riders in cars of the same color, but different numbers.
3. During the Grand Prix, free runs, races and qualifications are held.
4. Three riders who took 1,2,3 places climb to the podium. First, the national anthem of the club under whose license the pilot is playing is played, then the national anthem of the car manufacturer's team.

History

The idea of ​​Formula 1 originated in the 1920s, during the European Championship in auto racing. Then the time of wars came, but the idea remained. But the German racers were out of business, since for the defeat in the Second World War, they were not allowed to race for 10 years. Although the Italians were allies of the Germans, this infringement did not concern them.

And it was the Italian who became the first winner of Formula 1 - it was Giuseppe Farina in Alfa Romeo. After him, the Argentinean Juan Manuel Fangio won the title of the best racer 5 times, and then the era of English-speaking racers from Britain, New Zealand and Australia began.

Venues

Formula 1 - definitely most popular view sports. Millions of fans around the world dream that their favorite rally will come to their country. However, F1 only comes to places where over-modern autobahns are being built. We will list where the Formula 1 races take place this year:

• 15-17.03. - Albert Park, Australia;
• 22-24.03. - Sepang, Malaysia;
• 12-14.04. - Shanghai, China;
• 19-21.04. - Sakhir, Bahrain;
• 10-12.05. - Catalunya-Montmelo, Spain;
• 23-26.05. - Monte Carlo, Monaco;
• 07-09.06. - Montreal, Canada;
• 28.-30.06. - Silverstone, UK;
• 05-07.07. - Nurburgring, Germany;
• 26.-28.07. - Hungaroring, Hungary;
• 23.-25.08. - Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium;
• 06.-08.09. - Monza, Italy;
• 20.-22.09. - Marina Bay, Singapore;
• 04.-06.10. - Yonam, Korea;
• 11.-13.10. - Suzuka, Japan;
• 25.-27.10. - New Delhi, India;
• 01.-03.11. - Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi;
• 15.-17.11. - Americas, USA;
• 22.-24.11. - Interlagos, Brazil.

Personalities

Even those who are indifferent to the royal race of Formula 1, know and honor the name of Michael Schumacher. After all, this man became a living legend of Formula 1, being the most productive racer in all categories.

Since we are talking about heroes, we cannot but recall the driver who became the champion posthumously - it was Jochen Rindt. The rider crashed during Saturday's race, but his point advantage made him the champion when he was already dead.

The most experienced driver is Rubens Barrichello. The racer has won 325 grand prix in his career.

Formula 1 is very technologically advanced, but no less dangerous species sports. Heavy loads, speed and weather conditions most often affect the situation on the track. For many years in Formula 1 there were no rules as such, there were only general concepts... But in recent decades, the issue of human life has become much higher than other priorities, in order to preserve it in Formula 1 rigid rules and technical regulations.

Here is an excerpt and a general set of rules:

There are strict rules governing the behavior of the pilot in motion and the stewards have every right to impose various penalties on pilots who do not comply with them both during the race and during training sessions.

Violations can be different, both a false start and the creation of a dangerous situation, illegal blocking of another pilot, hindering another driver from leaving or entering the pit lane, speeding in the pit lane.

In addition, pilots cannot leave the track without good reason. It is also not allowed to change more than one direction of movement when defending a position. If the pilot leaves the track in defense of his position, then he can return, while he must ensure a safe distance of one car wide between his car and the edge of the track.

If the fault of the driver or multiple pilots is not evident during the event, then it is normal practice to investigate the incident after the end of the competition.

The most common penalties from stewards are: pit lane, five-second fine, ten-second fine.

Passing a pit lane means a rider entering the pit lane and following it at a certain speed before returning to the track. A 5 or 10 second penalty means stopping in the pits before the pilot can again enter the track.

There are two options for working out the second 10 - second penalty. 1st is mandatory, that is, it must be performed in any case. The second option is when 10 seconds are added to the pilot's time after the race, provided that the pilot does not enter the pits between the appointment of the penalty and the end of the race.

Also, the pilot is allowed not to stop to serve the 5-second penalty, provided that the pilot does not enter the pits between the penalty and the end of the race. And penalty seconds will be added to his time at the end of the race.

After the penalty is announced to the pilot, he has three laps in order for him to enter the pit lane for his execution, otherwise the pilot may be shown that will lead to his disqualification.

If the punishment is given to the pilot three laps before the end of the race, then he may not stop, then the following time intervals will be added to his time: 5 seconds instead of a five-second penalty, 10 seconds instead of an additional ten-second penalty, 20 seconds instead of driving through the pit lane, 30 seconds instead of the mandatory second ten-second penalty.

As a last resort, stewards may choose a more severe penalty to apply. They can downgrade a driver's starting position in the next grand prix, impose a temporary penalty, reprimand the driver, exclude a driver from race results, or remove a pilot from the next race.

Any pilot receives minus ten places at the start of the current or next grand prix, subject to the accumulation of three reprimands. But only if he received two or more reprimands for a piloting violation.

In addition to driving fines, the pilot may receive a fine for excessive use of technical parts of the car: gearbox or power plant.

Each unscheduled replacement of parts leads to a decrease in the starting position by 5 places.

Each pilot is only allowed to use 4 out of every six powerplant replacements. Moreover, if the norm is violated, the pilot will receive a penalty at the start of the race. Six elements are an internal combustion engine, a heat generator, a kinetic energy storage generator, a storage battery, a turbocharger and a control electronics unit.

Formula 1 rules.

1. Participants (teams)
Each participant (team) must design their own chassis and represent two cars and a pilot in all races of the season. Any competitor who misses the race must pay a weight penalty, unless his absence from the race was caused by force majeure. The maximum number of teams participating in the race is determined by the FIA ​​regulations (each team has 2 cars).

2. Restrictions on the size of the cars.
Height: Cannot exceed 37.43 inches (95 cm).
Width: Cannot exceed 70.92 inches (180 cm).
Minimum weight: 1,322.76 ft (600 kg) including driver.
Maximum wheel width:
front 13.98 inches (35.5 cm)
Rear 14.97 inches (38 cm)
Minimum wheel width:
front 12.07 inches (30.5 cm)
Rear 14.38 inches (36.5 cm)
Maximum wheel diameter 26 inches (66 cm)

3. Tires.
Each dry-weather tire should have four round-shaped grooves. The indentations are 0.01 "(2.5 mm) deep, 0.052" (14 mm) wide at the surface, tapering to 0.04 "(10 mm) towards the base. A tire manufacturer must submit a maximum of three rainy weather tires with a different tread pattern for each Grand Prix.

4. Engine.
The engine should be a 3-liter (183-in. Cc) V10, four-stroke with moving pistons. Overloading and turbocharging are prohibited. The main parts of the crankshaft and camshaft must be made of steel or cast iron. Pistons, cylinder heads, and cylinder blocks cannot be composite structures using carbon and armor plating. The power of the engines used in Formula 1 is approximately 800 hp. with.
The maximum number of revolutions per minute approx. 18000

5. Fuel.
The fuel used in Formula 1 is not leaded and consists of the components that make up conventional fuel that is commercially available. Before using the fuel, the competitor must submit a sample for analysis and approval by the FIA. The results of analyzes of samples taken during the season must correspond to the results of analyzes of the sample taken before the season.

6. Fuel tank.
The fuel tank must be a separate rubberized tank and comply with safety requirements. It should be between the driver and the engine. The fuel tank is divided by cells, which prevents the tank from exploding in the event of a fire.

7. Electronics.
Electronic aids to assist the driver such as traction control and antilock brakes, etc. Determined by the current FIA regulations.

8. Transmission.
The use of an automatic transmission is prohibited.
The number of forward gears is from 4 to 7. Reverse gear must also be present.

9. Suspension.
All machines must be equipped with a spring suspension.
Computerized "active" suspension systems are prohibited.

10. Cab.
The pilot should be able to unfasten the seat belts, remove the steering wheel and get out of the car (within 5 seconds) and then reinstall the steering wheel. He should spend no more than 10 seconds for all actions.

11. Pilot's seat.
It should be possible to take the pilot's seat out of the car together with the pilot.

12. Practice and qualifications.
practice is carried out to select tinctures for the upcoming GP.
Qualification is carried out to determine the starting places at the start of the race.
The qualification is divided into 2 parts. the first part serves to determine the order of the pilots entering the track in the second qualification. The second qualification serves for the final distribution of the starting positions in the race.

13. The 107 percent rule.
Now this rule practically does not apply. The race marshals themselves decide during all pre-race sessions whether the pilot can take part in the GP.

14. Pole position.
The fastest lap in qualifying gives the driver the pole position, the most advantageous starting position in the main race. Each driver is given 1 lap during the first and second qualifications.

15. Wheels.
Each pilot can use a maximum of 32 "dry" and 28 "rain" rubber kits. Before qualifying, each driver can use two different types of dry tires, but only one must be selected for use in qualifying and racing.

16. Refueling.
All pilots in qualification (2) fill a certain amount of fuel, which they cannot change until the start of the race. Refueling during the race is allowed. Teams must use the same refueling facilities supplied by the FIA. The fuel flow rate for such a plant is approximately 3.2 gallons (12 liters) per second.

17. Speed ​​limit in the pit stop.
In the pit stop - 37 mph (60 km / h) during qualification. During the race - 50 mph (80 km / h) Although this speed can vary from 80 to 120 km / h (50-74 mph) depending on the particular track.

18. Prelaunch preparation.
- 30 minutes before the scheduled start time The branch from the track to the pit stop opens and the cars enter the training loop and then take their positions on the starting grid.

- 17 minutes before the start Sirena announces the closure of the exit from the pit stop after 2 minutes.

- 15 minutes before the start. The exit from the pit stop is closed. Any car that has not left the pit stop before this time is allowed to start from the pit stop after all the peleton has passed the pit stop on the first lap (i.e. after the start).

- 10 minutes before starting The signal panel is shown. The siren is buzzing. Everyone except pilots, officials and team technicians must leave the starting site. Changing wheels and refueling is prohibited before the start.

- 5 minutes before starting The signal panel is shown. Siren. One of the 5 pairs of red lights goes out. The pre-start countdown begins. All cars must be put on wheels. If the car is not put on wheels before this time, then the driver will have to start the race from the end of the starting grid or from the pit stop.

- 3 minutes before start The signal panel is shown. Siren. 3 pairs of red lights remain on. The pilots must take a seat in their car.

- 1 minute before start Signal panel is shown. Siren. 2 pairs of red lights are on. The engines are running. The technical staff must leave the starting point.

- 15 seconds before the start Signal panel. Siren. A pair of red lights are on.

19. Start time.
The red lights go out, the green lights come on. Cars leave for the warm-up circle. In practice, start is not yet allowed. Cars that could not leave the starting place while other cars are driving around the circle must be removed from the starting place and will start the race from the same position. Overtaking is prohibited if the car is delayed when it started from a standing position and the cars from behind cannot bypass it without delay on the track. In this case, pilots can bypass this vehicle only to get into their starting position.

20. Start of the race.
At the end of the warm-up lap, the cars take their positions on the starting grid. The engines are running and the marshals are signaling the cars to take their places. When all the cars have taken their positions, the starter lights up 5 pairs of red lights and begins a five-second countdown, extinguishing a pair of lights every second. One second after start. All red lights are off and the race is on. A penalty time is assigned for a false start - a 10-second delay in the pit stop. A false start is detected using the FIA ​​beacon installed on each car.

21. Interrupted start.
If the driver "stalled" before the start, then he must raise his hands up and the start will be canceled. Cars will leave for the second warm-up lap, and the driver who caused the cancellation of the start will be removed from the track and his position will be available to others. He himself will take the last position at the start or will start from the pit lane.

1. Before the warm-up circle.
If the start is to be interrupted after the closing of the pit stops and before the warm-up lap, the flashing orange lights will be lit at the start. They will remain lit until a new start time is calculated.

2. Before the start signal.
If the start is to be interrupted after the warm-up lap but before the start signal, the orange flashing lights will also come on. They will remain on until a new start time is calculated.

3. After showing the red flag.
If the race is to be stopped, every effort will be made to restart it within 20 minutes of raising the red flag.

22. Changes related to the wet track.
The standard pre-start preparation may be changed due to a wet course: If the course has been dry during the entire practice, but becomes wet (or wet) after the warm-up lap or at least 60 minutes before the planned start, a 15 minute practice will be allowed.

If it starts raining after the five-minute signal, but before the start of the race, hazard lights will be lit, the teams will be allowed to change tires and the start will begin at the 15-minute mark. If the cars have already started and the Race Director decides that the water level on the track makes the race unsafe even with wet tires, the hazard lights will be lit along with a “10” panel with a red background. This means a delay in the continuation of the race by at least 10 minutes.

If the weather conditions have improved after 10 minutes, a panel “10” with a green background will be displayed, indicating that the race will start in 10 minutes. Five minutes after this panel has been shown, normal start-up preparation will begin with panels showing 5, 3, 1 and 15 seconds. If the weather has not improved in 10 minutes, the "10" panel with a red background will be shown again. In exceptional cases, the race may be started behind the safety car.

26. Actions of the safety car (Safety Car SC).
Security Machine Intervention is assigned by the Clerk of the Course. The SC is only used when the racers or officials are in immediate danger, but the circumstances of the race do not allow it to be stopped. SC enters the track from the pit stop. All cars should line up behind her. Overtaking is prohibited while SC is on the track and drivers are instructed to follow.

While SC is on the track, cars can enter the pit stops and join the rest until the green signal at the exit from the pit stop is extinguished. A car joining the race after entering the pit stop must catch up with the bulk of the cars at a reduced speed and follow them. When Clerk of the Course calls SC, she completes the circle with the flasher off. When the SC leaves the track, green lights will be lit at the start and green flags will be flown at the marshal posts. Laps completed with SC count as race laps.

27. Stopping the race.
The race can be stopped due to rain or an accident. If the race is stopped before 2 laps have been completed, the start is void. The pilots are allowed to return to the starting positions for a restart. Any pilot who is forced to start from the pit or from the end of the net at the first start can take his position.

If more than 2 laps are completed, but less than 75% of the total number of laps and the race is stopped, then it starts again with the order of cars in which they were on the track before the signal to stop the race was given. The track length will now be 3 laps shorter than the number of laps left to drive. Only those cars that started during the main start can take part in the re-start. Cars can be serviced right at the start or at pit stops.

If more than 75% of the race is completed and it is stopped, then it is considered complete. The finishing order will be determined around the loop before signaling to stop the race.

28. The length of the route.
Track length - the minimum number of laps exceeding 189.527 miles (305 km). If the 2 hour time limit is reached before the cars finish the race, a checkered flag will be shown to the leader of the lap on which the 2 hour race has elapsed, even if the intended race distance has not been covered. The SAP US Grand Prix is ​​designed for 72 laps of 2.606 miles each - a total of 190.294 miles (306.235 km).

29. Penalty time.
Penalty time for stopping on the track is 10 seconds. If the penalty was imposed within five laps since the last penalty - 25 seconds. As soon as a stop of the pilot is noticed, the penalty time is added to his time and it is displayed on the scoreboard.

Formula 1, Queen of motorsport, Circus Maximus. It has many names, but the essence is the same. This article is intended both for people far from motorsport and Formula 1 in particular, and for loyal fans of the Queen of Motorsports who want to learn more about their favorite sport.

Many people have been watching Formula 1 car races for several years, but at the same time they do not know what exactly is called Formula 1. To fix this, you need to figure out what is behind this beautiful name. The term "Formula 1" can be defined in a narrow and broad sense.

In a narrow sense, it is a set of technical norms, requirements and rules in accordance with which the Formula 1 World Championship is organized and held. The International Automobile Federation - FIA is in charge of the adoption and amendment of these rules. It is the main governing body of all motorsport competitions in the world. The rules established by her are primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of pilots - participants in auto racing competitions, as well as spectators in the stands. In addition, the FIA ​​aims at its existence to ensure the development of motorsport, so that auto racing does not turn into super-expensive and exotic look sports.

In a broad sense, Formula 1 is the world auto racing championship, which is played annually and consists of stages - the Grand Prix. At the end of each season, the winners are determined individual and team events... The driver who takes first place in the individual competition will be awarded the title world champion, and the team - the Constructors' Cup.

Under the name "Formula 1", the championships have been held since 1950, however, even before that there were regular Grand Prix, but there was no centralized system of scoring for victories at the stages.

For Formula 1, the names "queen of motorsport" or "royal races" are stuck. This is due to the fact that Formula 1 is considered the most prestigious racing series in the world and the pinnacle of a career for most racers. There are several reasons for this:
1) Highest level technology in Formula 1, making its race cars the fastest race cars, taking into account the restrictions that are set technical regulations ;
2) The incredible high cost of Formula 1. The most successful teams spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually, a considerable part of which are the fees of the riders themselves, who receive millions, and sometimes tens of millions annually.
3) The worldwide popularity of Formula 1. The queen of motorsport is watched by millions of fans all over the world, and the circuit that hosts the Grand Prix attracts hundreds of thousands of people.

To get a deeper understanding of how Formula 1 works, it will be useful to look at the basic concepts that make up this sport.

Formula 1 calendar

Formula 1 calendar consists of a certain number of stages - Grand Prix, which are held in various countries around the world. As a rule, the championship consists of 16-19 stages. The first stage is traditionally held in March, and the last in October or November.

The 2016 Formula 1 World Championship is the longest in the history of Formula 1 and consists of 21 stages, and the shortest, consisting of seven races, was held twice: in 1950 and 1955.

The Formula 1 World Championship calendar is compiled by the FIA ​​and published one year before the start of the respective season. The owners of motor racing tracks personally conclude agreements with the leadership of Formula 1 to host the Grand Prix. The fact of hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix significantly increases the popularity and prestige of the circuit.

Formula 1 Grand Prix

For each stage of the championship, no more than two pilots from one team can be entered. Each team is allowed a maximum of four different pilots per season.

All Formula 1 Grand Prix consists of certain parts - sessions:
1) Free practice- consists of three parts. Two of them take place on Friday (in Monaco - on Thursday) and last 1.5 hours, and one lasting 1 hour takes place on Saturday morning. These races are designed to prepare riders and teams for qualification and race - getting to know the track, setting up the car and choosing a strategy.
2) Qualification- this type of races is designed to determine the starting positions of the pilots in the race. According to the current rules, the qualification consists of three parts: 20, 15 and 10 minutes each. In the first part all pilots take part, in the second the best 16 pilots, in the third - the best 10. The winner of the qualification is assigned pole position (pole position) - this means that in the race he will start from the first place.
3) Race- the final and most important stage of the Grand Prix. Traditionally held on Sunday. At the start of the race, all riders line up on the starting line in accordance with the qualification results and taking into account all penalties. Average distance the race is 300 kilometers and the number of laps varies from 50 to 70, depending on the length of the track. The current sporting regulations prohibit refueling cars while racing. Also, all riders are required to make at least one pit stop, as the rules require that they use both types of rubber during the race.

Formula 1 tires

The official tire supplier in Formula 1 is the Italian company Pirelli. For the 2016 season, Pirelli introduced seven different types of rubber:
1) Hard - marked in orange.
2) Medium - marked in white.
3) Soft - marked in yellow.
4) Super-soft - marked in red.
5) Ultra-soft - marked in purple.
6) Intermediate - marked in green.
7) Full wet - marked in blue.

Up to 5 types of rubber are allowed for each individual Grand Prix - intermediate and rain types are available on all Grand Prix, but three of the five dry types are added, which Pirelli pre-selects.