Formula One racing, often referred to as Grand Prix racing, is the top class of motor sports in the world. Most commonly it is abbreviated as F1 racing. The title Formula One racing refers to the rules, or “formula” that all cars and participants in Formula One racing must follow. These strict rules make Formula One racing the most competitive of all motor sports.

Formula One racing developed out of the early 1900s European Grand Prix racing. Early Grand Prix racing had a “formula” of rules for drivers and their vehicles. Following World War II an even stricter formula was developed. This new formula was referred to as Formula One, indicating that it was number one as far as being the most challenging set of rules to follow. The first Formula One World Championship race was held in England in 1950. Italian Giuseppe Farina holds the title of First World Champion Formula One driver. He won driving an Alfa Romeo. Formula One World Championships are now awarded in two divisions, one for the driver and one for the constructor, or builder, of the racecar.

Europe is home to Formula One racing. Over the years the Formula One racing venues have expanded around the globe. The circuit now includes races in Bahrain, Shanghai and Fiji as well as the more traditional locations of Monte Carlo and Magny-Cours. Less than half of the 2007 season Formula One races will be held in Europe. The Formula One racing season lasts from March through October each year.

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The changes and history of Formula One racing are apparent when you look at the records that have been recorded since the sport’s inception.

For example, Mike Thackwell, 19, holds the record as the youngest Formula One racing driver. The 1980 Dutch Grand Prix was his first Formula One race. At the other end of the age record spectrum is Louis Chiron who entered the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix at 58 years old. A study of the oldest and youngest Formula One racing competitors shows that all of the oldest record holders entered races during the 1950s. Today the sport is so physically challenging that drivers begin Formula One racing at a younger age and retire by their mid-30s.

Another change in Formula One racing is apparent in the statistics surrounding the most wins in a season. The record holder for the most wins in a Formula One racing season is Michael Schumacher with 13 wins in the 2004 season. Schumacher also holds the most wins record for 2002, 2001, 2000, 1995 and 1994. His 1994 record was for winning eight of the 16 races he entered which gives him a winning percentage of 50%

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Formula One racing is a sport defined by rules and regulations. It is also a sport with a long history. Like any sport with this background, Formula One racing has developed terms that are confusing or not understood by new fans. The information below highlights some of the more misunderstood terms used in Formula One racings.

In Formula One racing “clean air” does not refer to fresh or filtered air. Clean air is the term used to refer to the air encountered by the head car in a race. The turbulence caused by the cars has not yet touched this air. It offers the best aerodynamic conditions for the drivers. Clean air is a benefit of leading the race.

Near the end of a race a driver may realize he does not have enough fuel to complete the race. The driver will then “splash and dash”. A splash and dash simply means that the driver enters the pits and the pit crew put only the small amount of gasoline needed to finish the race in his tank rather than to fill the tank. The driver gets a splash of gas and then dashes off for the finish.

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Aerodynamic design is as important to Formula One racing vehicles as it is to airplanes. You might not expect a racecar to have wings but Formula One racing cars do.

An airplane is designed with wings to help it lift off the ground. The wings of an airplane are an important part of the aerodynamic design that helps it to fly. Airplane wings direct airflow around the wings and give the airplane the lift it needs to leave the ground.

Formula One racing vehicles rely on aerodynamic design to increase speeds. Millions of dollars are spent on the research and development of better aerodynamic features for the racecars. Aerodynamic design in Formula One racing focuses on developing a design that will decrease the amount of drag the car creates and while creating a downforce that keeps the car’s tires on the track. Downforce aerodynamics also influence cornering ability on the track.
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