John N
If you fancy yourself a motor sports enthusiast, you probably know that Formula One is one of the most popular types of international races. Formula One cars feature the latest technology, and millions of dollars are spent each year on research and development in order to provide the teams with new high-end equipment. But there are plenty of other fascinating stats about F1 that you may not know.
Here are some interesting Formula One facts that you should know:
- Formula 1 cars travel in excess of 200mph on average during a race and can reach speeds in excess of 300mph on the straightest sections of race tracks. And they can do this while carrying enough fuel to last 250 miles.
- The aerodynamic design of a Formula One car is such that it produces more downforce than any other racing car. This means that they can drive at high speeds around corners without losing balance or speed.
- Approximately 90% of a Formula One car is made up from carbon fiber composite which makes them very light and fast but also extremely expensive to build, which explains why many teams are now back to using cheaper steel construction instead. Carbon fiber is also used for making parts like brakes and even the steering column which remains perfectly functional despite being made from the material.
- In 2014, Pastor Maldonado became only the second man in history to be given a penalty for speeding in the pit lane while none of his rivals were anywhere near him. He was forced to drop his speed from 56kph to 50kph as he left the pits.
- In 2006 Michael Schumacher set an F1 record by claiming pole position for all 16 races during one season. This feat has never been achieved by any other driver. Since 2012 no driver has managed to win back-to-back Grands Prix. Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have both failed twice.
- Lewis Hamilton has the highest number of race wins (103)
- Max Verstappen is the youngest driver to win a Grand Prix. He accomplished the feat athe Italian grand Prix at the age of 18y 7m 15d
- Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most wins in a single year. He won 13/18 races in 2014.
- Lewis Hamilton has won (82 races) the most races with the same constructor (Mercedes).
- Fangio Juan Manuel has the most wins by taking the most lead in the last lap.
- Lewis Hamilton has the most wins(10) in a single calendar year (2016) without winning the championship. Nico Rosberg won the title that very year.
- Micheal Schumacher has the most wins (51) without starting from pole position .
- Micheal Schumacher holds the record for the fastest laps( 77).
- Ferrari has the most World championship Title – (16)
- Mercedes has the most Championship consecutive wins (8) in F1 history .
- Ferrari has the most podium appearances (47) in history.
- 52 drivers have died while testing, practicing qualifying racing F1.
- Ferrari is the most valuable team team brand. It’s valued at $1.3 billion
- F1 Cars can get from 0-30km/h in 10.6 seconds.
- Pirelli Is the sole supplier of Formula one tyres
- They were only seven grand prix in the first season of Formula one
- The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is the longest F1 racing track.
- Red Bull racing holds the record for the fastest pit stop of 1.82 seconds in the history of the sport.
- Mercedes holds the record for the longest pit stop of 43 hours.
