When an F1 driver keeps their right foot on the throttle and used the left foot for braking, it is called left foot braking. This style of driving was made popular in the 1990s due to the invention of hand clutches. This driving style comes in handy when cornering or cruising at high speed. This …
Kevlar is a high-strength, lightweight material used to make Formula 1 car. This material is known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. It is specially used in cockpits and survival cells to protect the driver in crash events. This synthetic fiber is five times stronger than steel but more lightweight and flexible. It is made from …
Jumpstart in F1 is when a driver starts the race before the official start signal. This is considered a violation of the rules and can result in a penalty. The penalty can be either a time penalty or a drive-through penalty. The penalty is given to ensure a fair start for all drivers. During a …
After arriving at the circuit, an F1 car will go on a lap to test the steering, throttle, and brakes of the car without going over the finish line. This lap is called the installation lap. The purpose of an installation lap is to check if the car’s system is working properly before the race. …
A headrest is a part of the F1 car that reduces the amount of shock by absorbing impact force during a clash. This is a safety device designed to protect the driver’s head from strain. This device is usually made of carbon fiber due to its enhanced properties like the ability to absorb shock and …
Handling is your vehicle’s ability to respond to drivers’ inputs while maintaining stability and control during turning. A car with good handling can navigate corners or turns at higher speeds and is less likely to lose control in sudden changes. The car’s suspension, which connects the wheels to the car and allows them to move …
HANS is a Head and Neck support device that every driver needs to wear since 2003 to protect their head and neck during a crash. This device is supported at the back of a driver’s helmet and prevents excessive movement during a collision. It was invented in the mid-1980s by Dr. Bob Hubbard, a biomechanical …
The Halo is a safety device used in F1 racing that sits on top of the cockpit of the car, wrapping around the driver’s head. It is made of a wishbone-shaped titanium bar and is designed to withstand the weight of 12 tonnes, while only weighing 7 kg. The Halo was first tested in F1 …
Grip, also referred to as traction, is the ability of a vehicle’s tires to maintain contact with the road surface. It is determined by the level of interaction between the tire’s molecules and the road at the point of contact. The amount of grip can be affected by the type of tire, the tread’s condition, …
A gravel trap is an area that has a bed of gravel surrounding the circuit in F1 races. Gravel traps are designed to bring unruly cars to a halt when they get out off the track. These gravel traps prevent drivers from smashing into the walls. However, sometimes the cars can get stuck in travel …
