How does an F1 race work?

Before we get started - check out the full F1 2025 schedule and how the F1 weekend works prior to the Grand Prix!

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What is an F1 Grand Prix?

This race that is the culmination of all of the sessions over the weekend (Practices and Qualifying). The grid order set in Qualifying is the order in which cars will start the race - unless last minute changes or repairs were made on the cars (they would then start in the pit lane).

The Grand Prix generally will last approximately 90 minutes. If there are crashes, debris, or severe weather conditions, there can be pauses (signaled by red flags or safety cars which we will discuss in a later article) that will make the race longer. The minimum distance for a Grand Prix is 190 miles (305 KM) except the Monaco Grand Prix - but most distances are around the same length (aka the standard 90 minute length).

The top 10 drivers will score 'points' and there is one additional point awarded for the fastest single lap of the race. At the end of the race, there is a podium celebration that fans can attend on track (for most races), celebrating the top 3 finishers!

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How do pit stops affect the race?

Pit stops are a HUGE part of the strategy of a race. The rule during all Grand Prix's is that you must complete at least ONE pit stop in order to change your tires to a different compound of tire (Soft, Medium, Hard, Wet, or Intermediate). A pit stop (if executed properly) will add about 20-25 seconds on average to your lap, so strategy is extremely important.

In general, pit stop strategy is set with multiple 'plans' before the race - so if you hear driver radios back to their garage and race engineer that say "let's go with Plan A, B, C, etc...." this is most likely referring to when to pit for new tires.

Pit stops can also occur to serve penalties or to repair damage to the car.

For more about pit stops check out this article (COMING SOON).

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How do Safety Cars and Flags affect the race?

Obviously, with cars driving as fast and as competitively as they do, there will be crashes, mechanical issues, and other factors that could interrupt a race. Not every type of flag or safety car will completely halt the pack BUT here is a quick overview of cautions and warnings and what they do:

For more information on Safety Cars and Flags check out this article (COMING SOON).

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How are points scored in an F1 race?

Scoring points as a result of your finishing position in a race are the ultimate goal of every single grand prix on the calendar. Points scored by drivers are attributed to TWO separate Championships in F1. The World Driver Championship (WDC) which is awarded to the driver with the most points at the end of the season and the World Constructors Championship (WCC) which is awarded to the team with the most points at the end of the season. This means that for the WCC, both drivers' points tallies are attributed to the team that they race for.

If you want to learn more about points and the implication that scoring points has on drivers and teams check out this article (COMING SOON).

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What happens after an F1 race concludes?

There are a few things that occur once the cars cross the finish line after the final lap.

Parc Ferme

In laymen's terms, parc ferme is an area where the cars are parked after the race in which the teams and drivers can NOT touch the cars. The cars will be inspected by the FIA (governing body of F1) and stewards (think referees) to make sure that after the race they fit a certain list of specifications. Drivers HAVE been disqualified due to their cars not being 'legal' after the race. During this time the drivers will also be weighed as a factor of these specifications.

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Podium Celebrations

The top 3 finishers will do a podium ceremony. Nearly all ceremonies follow the exact same formula. First, the drivers go to a 'cooldown room' where they will catch their breath, get their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place hats and chat with the others on the podium. Drivers will be called to the podium one-by-one and once the Grand Prix winner is on the podium, their national anthem will play as well as the national anthem of the country in which their team is located. You may notice a 4th person up on the podium - that person represents the winning 'constructor' (team). The race winner will have a delegate from their team on the podium to receive a team trophy as well.

Champagne pops! Celebrations commence!

During this time, many tracks do allow what the fans call "track invasion". Aka fans from all around the track are let ON to the track to run to the podium and watch the ceremony!

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Podium celebrations are the final official part of an F1 race other than standard media duties and interviews by the drivers post - race!

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Does this excite you? Check out this article to find out where to watch F1 races!