Formula 1 (F1) is the highest class of international single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The championship was founded in 1950, with the inaugural World Championship race taking place at Silverstone in the United Kingdom. Formula 1 races, known as Grands Prix, are held on purpose-built circuits and temporary street circuits in cities around the world. The cars used in Formula 1 are some of the fastest in the world, with advanced engineering and technology that allows them to achieve speeds exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph).
The Formula 1 season consists of a series of races, and drivers accumulate points based on their performance in each race. These points contribute to both the World Drivers' Championship and the Constructors' Championship. The latter recognizes the teams, or constructors, responsible for building the cars. Over the years, some of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history have included Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull Racing.
Formula 1 has been a platform for some of the most iconic drivers in the sport’s history. Early champions included Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five world titles in the 1950s. Later, drivers like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, and Michael Schumacher rose to prominence. Schumacher holds the record for most drivers' titles, with seven championships, a record shared with Lewis Hamilton, who became a dominant figure in the sport during the 2010s.
Throughout its history, Formula 1 has been known for its continual evolution, both in terms of car technology and regulations aimed at improving safety and competitiveness. The sport has seen major changes to its rules, such as the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014 and more stringent safety standards, including the halo device, which was implemented to protect drivers’ heads in the event of a crash.
Formula 1’s global appeal has grown, with races taking place in countries across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. Some of the most famous circuits include Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, and Suzuka. Each Grand Prix typically spans a weekend, with practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the main race event. The sport’s governing body, the FIA, continually adjusts rules and regulations to maintain fair competition and improve safety for drivers and teams.