John N
Formula one is all about speed. Top speeds, fast corners and split-second decisions. There are so many opposing opinions and arguments in modern Formula 1 that sometimes even the most hardcore fan struggles to work out the fact from the myths. Here we take a look at some of the most common statements in F1 and separate fact from fiction to see whether or not they bear scrutiny.
- Myth – F1 is a risky and unsafe sport
- Fact – The overall wear of the driver (boot, glove, and helmet) is made of a fibre material called Nomex which can protect the driver from fire for at least 15 seconds. The strongest part of the car is the cockpit which fits the exact dimensions of the driver. The HALO safety device at the top of the cockpit can sustain 5 tonnes of impact. The Head and Neck Support System (HANS) also protect the driver’s neck and shoulder in the event of an accident.
- Myth – Formula one car consume enormous amount of fuel
- Fact – the current F1 hybrid power unit is the most efficient in the world, delivering more power using less fuel, and therefore CO2 than any other car. Formula one car uses a direct injection turbo engine which reduces the RPM thereby using less fuel. Also, the kinetic energy recovery system reuses energy by capturing and storing same in a battery
- Myth – F1 cars are fragile
- Fact – F1 cars are incredible sturdy. They can withstand massive loads while being driven at over 270km/hr and the subsequent G-forces that come in cornering and under heavy braking. The objective of the car is to be as fast as possible; therefore carbon fibre is the best material for the job since it is light weight. In order to protect drivers during a crash the car is designed to absorb the impact of the crash which is why part of the car breaks off and shatters.
- Myth – it’s impossible to overtake in Formula one
- Fact- anyone who has watched a race live or on TV knows for a certain that overtaking is allowed. Due to the speed of the cars it may be difficult to overtake but it is possible. Given that the drivers are ranked after each race, it is the goal of every driver to overtake and finish at a better position.
- Myth – Only the big teams win in F1
- Fact – The amount of money spent on cars doesn’t explicitly imply that the teams with the biggest funding win the championship. The ability of the driver also plays part in the success of a constructor.
