Formula 1 founded in the 1950 has gained the reputation of one of the most exhilarating sports globally, attracting millions of fans to witness the pinnacle of motorsport - with a huge influx of new fans over the past years being attributed to the Netflix docuseries ‘drive to survive’.  

There’s no denying that if you’ve recently come across the sport the history and lore associated can be daunting. What do you mean you don’t know who Alan Prost and Brawn GP are? Whilst I agree that those who missed the era of Kimmi Räikkönen, the silver war, and even the heydays of Schummacher and Alonso missed out big time - it’s not a necessity to enjoy the sport in 2024.

This one is for all the newbies, as truthfully unless your name is Verstappen and you are born into the sport, everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to f1.

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The basics of Formula One

Formula 1 is the highest class of single-seater racing. It features 20 drivers from around the world, competing in 24 Grands Prix on circuits across different countries. Here's what you should know:

• Race weekend format: In the modern era of Formula One - there are two different race weekend formats, the traditional race weekend format - and sprint weekend formats.

‘Traditional’ race weekend consists of three main practice sessions (friday - into saturday), qualifying (saturdays), and the main race (Sundays).

Sprint weekend formats consist of One practice session (Friday morning), Sprint qualifying (Friday afternoon), Sprint race (Saturday morning), Race qualifying (Saturday afternoon) - and then the main race (Sundays).

• Qualifying: This session determines the starting grid for the race. It's divided into three knockout sessions (Q1, Q2, Q3).

Without stating the obvious here - the aim of the game is to set your quickest laps within these knockout rounds to avoid being eliminated. Q1 is the first qualifying period of the session and the top 15 quickest drivers proceed to Q2 - in this session the top 10 quickest drivers go through to the final session Q3. In Q3 the order of the top 10 gets decided.

Although it may seem straightforward that the fastest car will simply qualify first there are various factors that the teams have to juggle when it comes to qualifying such as their tyre allocations, set ups and fuel loads which helps qualifying become an even game of speed and strategy.

• Constructors vs Drivers championship

In Formula 1, the competition is split into two main championships: the Drivers' Championship and the Constructors' Championship. While both are equally prestigious, they focus on different aspects of the sport. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the distinction:

The Drivers' Championship is awarded to the individual driver who scores the most points over the course of the season. Each driver earns points based on their finishing position in every race, with the top 10 drivers scoring points. The driver who has accumulated the most points by the end of the season is crowned the Formula 1 world champion. This title is considered the ultimate accolade in motorsport and has been won by legendary figures such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton.

• Points system: The winner of each race receives 25 points, second place earns 18 points, third place gets 15 points, and points continue down to 1 point for the 10th place finisher. There’s also an extra point available for the fastest lap of the race, provided the driver finishes within the top 10.
  
  
• Driver rivalries: Often, the fight for the Drivers' Championship leads to intense rivalries, not only between drivers from different teams but sometimes even between teammates. In many seasons, the battle for the championship goes down to the final races, creating dramatic and memorable moments.

The Constructors' Championship is awarded to the team (or constructor) that accumulates the most points throughout the season. Teams field two drivers, and the points scored by both drivers in each race are added together to contribute to the team's overall score. The constructor with the most points at the end of the season is declared the Constructors' Champion.

• Constructor points: Teams earn points based on the combined results of both their drivers. For example, if one driver finishes 2nd (18 points) and their teammate finishes 5th (10 points), the team will score a total of 28 points for that race.
  
  
• Team effort: Winning the Constructors' Championship reflects the combined efforts of the team, including car design, engineering, pit crew performance, and the drivers’ skills. It rewards not just individual excellence but also teamwork and the ability to field two competitive cars.

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• Historical importance: Some of the most successful teams in F1 history, like Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes, have built their legacies around dominance in the Constructors' Championship. Manufacturers are often motivated by this title as it showcases the engineering prowess of their cars.

Why two championships?

The split between the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships highlights the dual nature of Formula 1 as a competition for both individual glory and team success. While the Drivers' Championship focuses on individual talent, the Constructors' Championship emphasises the importance of the car and the collective effort of everyone involved in developing and running the team.

Although fans often focus on the Drivers' Championship, for teams (and their sponsors), winning the Constructors' title is just as important, if not more so. The financial rewards from winning the Constructors' Championship are significant, with prize money and sponsorship opportunities often tied to a team's performance in this championship.

Notable seasons where the titles were split

In some seasons, the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships are won by different teams. This happens when one team builds a superior car but one of their drivers is less consistent, allowing a rival driver from another team to claim the Drivers' title. For example:

• In 1999, Ferrari won the Constructors' Championship, but McLaren’s Mika Häkkinen claimed the Drivers' title.
• In 2021, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the Drivers' Championship, but Mercedes secured the Constructors' Championship.

Such seasons often feature exciting, closely-fought battles, highlighting the importance of both championships in the sport.

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F1 2024 teams and drivers

Each team in F1 fields two drivers, making for a competitive 10-team, 20-driver grid. Here’s a rundown of the 2024 line-up:

• Red Bull Racing: The dominant team in recent years, led by reigning world champion Max Verstappen alongside Checo Perez.
• Mercedes-AMG Petronas: With legendary driver Lewis Hamilton chasing a record-breaking 8th title, paired with George Russell.
• Ferrari: The iconic Scuderia fields Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, both hungry to return Ferrari to championship-winning ways.

• Aston Martin: After an impressive 2023, Fernando Alonso continues with the team, partnered by Lance Stroll.
• McLaren: Rising stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri look to build on McLaren’s resurgence with strong performances across the season to challenge for the constructors and drivers championship.
• Alpine: A solid midfield team with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, capable of scoring points consistently if the cars are quick enough.

• Kick Sauber: Entering its final season before rebranding to Audi in 2025, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu hope to end this era on a high.
• Williams: Historic team Williams continues its rebuilding phase, with young talents like Franco Collapinto and veteran Alex Albon.
• Haas: The American outfit continues to punch above its weight, with Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenbergbehind the wheel.
• RB Visa Cash app: Red Bull’s sister team focuses on developing young talent, fielding a lineup of Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.

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Strategy and pit stops

In Formula 1, speed alone isn’t enough to win races. Strategy plays a crucial role in determining race outcomes, and the decisions made off-track can be just as important as what happens on it. Teams use a variety of strategic elements to outsmart their rivals, including tyre choices, pit stop timing, fuel management, and the use of energy recovery systems (ERS). Let’s break down how these factors work together to create winning strategies.

Tyres

Pirelli is the exclusive tyre supplier for F1, and each team has access to several different tyre compounds during a race weekend. These compounds range from soft to hard, with each offering unique advantages and trade-offs:

• Soft Tyres (C5, C4, C3): These are the fastest tyres, providing maximum grip and speed, but they wear out quickly. Soft tyres are ideal for qualifying or short stints during the race when teams need quick lap times, but they can become a liability over long runs as they degrade rapidly.
  
  
• Medium Tyres (C3, C2): Offering a balance between speed and durability, medium tyres are often used as a compromise between the soft and hard compounds. They provide better longevity than the softs without sacrificing too much performance, making them a popular choice for longer race stints.
  
  
• Hard Tyres (C2, C1): The most durable tyre compound, the hard tyres can last for many laps without significant degradation. However, they offer less grip and are slower than the softer compounds. Hard tyres are often used when teams want to minimise pit stops and run long stints without frequent tyre changes.
  
  

Tyre rules

• Two Compound Rule: In dry conditions, teams are required to use at least two different tyre compounds during the race. This rule forces teams to carefully plan their strategy, as choosing the right tyres at the right time can make or break a race.
  
  
• Wet Weather Tyres: In wet conditions, different tyre types are used. The intermediate tyres (green) are used for light rain or a drying track, while the full wet tyres (blue) are for heavy rain conditions. In these scenarios, the two-compound rule doesn’t apply.

Pit stops: precision and timing

Pit stops are one of the most visible and dramatic aspects of an F1 race. During a pit stop, the team changes the tyres and, in some cases, makes small adjustments to the car. Pit stops are incredibly fast, typically lasting between 2-3 seconds. However, the timing and execution of a pit stop are critical to a team’s success.

• Timing pit stops: The decision on when to pit is based on a combination of factors such as tyre degradation, traffic on the track, and the performance of rival drivers. Teams aim to pit at the optimal moment, avoiding losing time in traffic or falling behind slower cars after rejoining the race.
  
  
• Overcut vs. Undercut:

The undercut strategy involves pitting earlier than rivals and using fresher tyres to set faster lap times, effectively jumping ahead when the rival makes their pit stop.

The overcut is the opposite, where a driver stays out longer on worn tyres, hoping to create a gap large enough that when they pit, they rejoin the race ahead of their rival.

• Pit Stop Risks: Mistimed or slow pit stops can be disastrous, costing drivers precious seconds and positions. Fumbled tyre changes, faulty equipment, or unsafe releases can all lead to penalties or lost time, potentially ruining a race.

Fuel management: balancing speed and efficiency

Although refuelling during races has been banned since 2010, fuel management is still a vital part of F1 strategy. Teams start the race with a set amount of fuel, and drivers must carefully manage it throughout the race to ensure they have enough to reach the finish line.

• Fuel efficiency: F1 cars use hybrid engines that recover energy during braking and coasting. Efficient fuel usage allows drivers to push harder in critical moments without worrying about running out of fuel.
• Lifting and coasting: Drivers often "lift and coast" into corners to save fuel—this means lifting off the throttle early before braking to reduce fuel consumption. While this can help with fuel management, it requires a delicate balance, as too much lifting can result in slower lap times.

Energy recovery systems (ERS)

The hybrid power units used in F1 cars are equipped with an energy recovery system (ERS), which stores energy harvested during braking and from exhaust gases. This energy can then be deployed to provide extra power, particularly when overtaking or defending.

• ERS Components:

The MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic) is an electric motor linked to the engine's crankshaft. During braking, it functions as a generator, reducing the need for brakes and converting kinetic energy into electricity to charge the battery. When accelerating, it operates as a motor, delivering additional power to boost acceleration.

The MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat) is a device situated in the exhaust system. It captures heat energy from the exhaust gases and converts it into electrical energy, which can then be stored or used to enhance performance.

• Battery deployment: Drivers can deploy the stored energy in short bursts for extra acceleration, which is crucial during overtaking manoeuvres or defending against an attack. Managing this energy efficiently over the course of the race is a key part of racecraft.

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• Regulation limits: There are restrictions on how much energy can be deployed per lap, so drivers must be strategic about when to use it. The teams monitor the energy levels closely and provide instructions to the drivers on how to manage it during the race.

Other strategic considerations

• Safety cars and virtual safety cars (VSC): A safety car or virtual safety car can change race strategy in an instant. When these are deployed, teams may choose to pit for fresh tyres while losing less time due to the slower overall pace of the field. The timing of a pit stop under a safety car can be the difference between winning and losing.
  
  
• Weather conditions: Changing weather can throw strategies into disarray. A sudden downpour may require a switch to wet tyres, or a drying track may prompt a switch back to slick tyres. Teams must be prepared to adapt quickly to shifting weather patterns.
  
  
• Traffic and lapped cars: Navigating through traffic and slower cars can have a significant impact on race strategy. Getting stuck behind a slower car can ruin a driver’s pace, while well-timed pit stops can help a driver avoid traffic and gain an advantage.

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What lies ahead of 2024 for Formula 1?

The 2024 Formula 1 season is poised to deliver another thrilling chapter in the sport's rich history, filled with intense rivalries and emerging talents. At the forefront, the ongoing battle between Red Bull and Mercedes is set to continue, as both teams aim to assert their dominance on the grid. Meanwhile, Ferrari and McLaren are making strategic moves to mount a serious challenge, seeking to recapture their former glory and add fresh excitement to the mix.

You can look forward to the introduction of several new race venues, further diversifying the calendar and providing unique challenges for drivers and teams alike. These new circuits promise to enhance the spectacle of the sport, with distinct layouts and local flair adding to the drama of each race weekend.

In addition to these competitive dynamics, the 2024 season will see tighter regulations and enhanced cost caps, promoting a more equitable playing field among teams. This is expected to foster closer racing, as teams will be incentivized to maximise performance within the constraints of their budgets. Technical advancements, particularly in aerodynamics and energy recovery systems, will also contribute to the increased competitiveness, allowing for more exciting on-track battles and strategic nuances.

Whether you're cheering for a driver, intrigued by team strategy, or simply thrilled by the high-speed action, there's something for everyone in Formula 1. Stay tuned for updates and analysis on the Chicane Chronicle, where we'll keep you informed about everything happening on and off the track!

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