Get ready for the U.S. Grand Prix with some trivia!
Noted adventure seeker and prolific writer Ernest Hemingway once said, “There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.” Formula 1 racing is indeed in a league of its own in terms of prestige and broad international appeal.
To help you learn more about this thrilling sport and get you excited for the upcoming U.S. Grand Prix, here are some fun facts about Formula 1 racing!
- Why formula?
- Quick pit stop
- Short engine life
- Total cost
- No more refueling
- Hard helmets
- Fastest recorded top speed
- America’s circuit
Keep reading to learn more about these fun facts about Formula 1 racing and the U.S. Grand Prix taking place on Oct. 23!
Why formula?
The “formula” in Formula 1 racing refers to the set rules that all cars and participants must follow, and the “1” refers to the highest classification in the formula racing tournaments. An F2 and F3 race series also exist, which follow a different formula (or set) or rules and often serve as a feeder series into F1.
Quick pit stop
While the race provides real excitement, the pit stops during a Grand Prix race can be just as exciting. Pit stops typically last just a few seconds, and the length of the pit stop often determines the winner of the race. The fastest pit stop in Formula 1 racing history was driver Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing team’s 1.82-second pit stop at the 2014 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Short engine life
Despite costing around $18 million, the engines in Formula 1 race cars only last for five or six races due to the enormous strain and rigid use during each race.
Total cost
You read that right, $18 million for just the engine of a Formula 1 car! While that is by far the most expensive component, the total cost of a Formula 1 race car is around $20 million — including $700,000 for the chassis, $350,000 for the gearbox, and $170,000 for the hydraulics.
No more refueling
A rule instituted in 2010 banned refueling during pit stops due to the danger posed to pit crews. As such, cars must be loaded with enough fuel — up to 110 liters — to complete the race.
Hard helmets
Because of the speeds at which the cars race and the inherent dangers of the sport, the helmets worn in Formula 1 races must be extremely tough. Carbon fiber is the primary material of most helmets. Each helmet must go through a series of compulsory tests mandated by the sport’s governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobil (FIA), to ensure its safety and durability.
Fastest recorded top speed
The highest top speed recorded at a Formula 1 event was 372.5 km/h (231.4 mph) by Valtteri Bottas at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix.
America’s circuit
The U.S. Grand Prix has been held every year since 2012 (with the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19) at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. It’s just one of five circuits in the world to run counterclockwise and can welcome more than 400,000 fans throughout the three-day race weekend.
Missing out on this year’s U.S. Grand Prix or want to experience these fun facts about Formula 1 racing in person? Be sure to book your spot early for next year! Superior Executive Services is proud to offer several exciting U.S. Grand Prix travel packages in 2023 — contact us today at (608) 665-9070 or send us a message online to learn more.
