Bahrain Opens 2023 Formula 1 Season

What is Formula 1?

Formula 1 is the most famous car racing event in the world. The name ‘Formula 1’ refers to the rules that all participants and cars need to follow when they are competing in the races. These rules were decided by the International Automobile Federation in 1946.

Though motorcar racing began in the 1920s-30s, the first-ever F1 race took place in the English town of Silverstone in 1950.

What happens in a Formula 1 season?

An F1 season is an 8-9 month long event with 15-20 races. Each race is called a ‘Grand Prix, which means ‘Great Prize’ in French. Each GP is named after the country it is hosted in. For example, Bahrain Grand Prix was the first race of this season.

On average, an F1 car covers between 260-300 km in a race. Every race takes place on the weekend and lasts for 90 minutes or more. These races can happen on public roads or circuits.

The first car that crosses the finish line after making a fixed number of laps around the racing track is considered the winner. Based on the results of all GP races, the winners of the Driver’s Championship Award and Constructors’ Championship Award are decided.

The fast, thrilling, and unpredictable nature of F1 is what brings people to watch them. An F1 race car is a single-seater with open wheels and an open cockpit. These cars can travel at the speed of 300 km per hour. Can you imagine how fast that would be? In fact, these cars are built to race even when it's raining.

What is new about the 2023 season?

The 2023 season is the longest F1 season yet. It will take place from March 4 to November 26. This season has 23 races which will be held in 20 countries. Instead of three, this year will have six sprint races. An F1 Sprint is a 100 km race that lasts for just 25-30 minutes.

Many changes have been made to the F1 rules this year. The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has decided to reduce the working hours of all F1 crew members, reduce the minimum weight of cars, improve rear-view mirror visibility, etc.

Ten teams are participating in F1 this year. They are Alfa Romeo, AlphaTauri, Alpine, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Haas, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Williams. Each team will send two drivers to participate in the races.

Do you plan on watching Formula 1 races this year? Do let us know in the comments below.