Understand the sport
F1 guides
Plain-English explainers on how Formula 1 works, from points and qualifying to tyre strategy and the 2026 rules, and how to get the most out of the data on this site.
The basics
- How F1 points workEvery position that scores in a Formula 1 grand prix and sprint, how the constructors' title adds up, what happens in shortened races and how ties are broken.
- How qualifying worksThe three-part knockout that sets the Formula 1 grid: how long each session runs, who drops out where on a 22-car grid, the 107% rule, grid penalties and parc fermé.
- Flags and safety carsGreen, yellow, double yellow, red, blue, black and white, the 'meatball' and the chequered flag: what each Formula 1 flag means, plus the safety car and virtual safety car.
- Sprint weekendsHow a Formula 1 sprint weekend works: the Friday sprint qualifying, the 100km Saturday sprint, its points, parc fermé rules and how it differs from a normal grand prix weekend.
Strategy
Using the site
- Reading a lap chartA lap chart shows every driver's position on every lap of a Formula 1 race. Here's how to spot the start, pit stops, undercuts, safety cars and retirements at a glance.
- Race pace explainedWhy the finishing order isn't the speed order, how we measure each driver's true race pace from clean laps, and what can make the numbers misleading.
