The word formula in Formula One pertains to certain specifications that cars and drivers must adapt to and follow as participants of the various races.
The formula was first introduced in 1946 and used in the inaugural season in 1950.
Over time, the formula changes, and it will continue to do so in the years to come.
Some F1 Rules and Regulations are tweaked each season, but here are some common bylaws fans, especially beginners, should follow as fans of the sport.
1. Car Specifications
First and foremost, the teams must follow the parameters set for their vehicles. The specification power unit should be a 1.6-litre four-stroke turbocharged 90-degree V6 reciprocating engine.
A Formula One car's dimensions must be no more than 180-cm wide and 95-cm high. There is no specified maximum length, but cars are generally as long as each other.
As for the tires, F1 drivers have used slick ones with 245mm (width) in front and 355mm and 380mm (width) in the rear since 2009.
Formula One cars use a controlled mixture of ordinary petrol for fuel. They must only utilize commercial gasoline compounds.
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2. Flag Rules
Flags in an F1 race, as in any road situation, indicate what awaits drivers ahead. Each flag color has a designated meaning.
A yellow flag is meant to signal the driver what's ahead - whether they need to take action or not overtake. It could be about a hazard. If the marshal waves two yellow flags, the driver must prepare to stop.
The green flag is the opposite of the yellow one. Whenever the marshal waves it, the driver can go full speed as there is no incident ahead.
On the other hand, Red Flag is used to tell drivers that the track is unsafe. It could be because of the weather or a crash. The drivers are advised to proceed cautiously and return to the pit lane.
The blue flag warns drivers that a faster driver is behind them and is ready to overtake. In Grand Prix, blue flags tell the drivers it was waved to let a faster car "lap" them. Drivers will be penalized if they don't let them pass and ignore three blue flags.
A driver will see a black and white flag if they act unsportsmanlike, like cutting a corner or harassing another racer. They must change their ways or risk disqualification.
If they see a pure black flag, the driver's standard is too slow and could get disqualified.
Black Flag with Orange Disc, a.k.a. the meatball flag, means a driver has a mechanical problem with their car and should seek repair immediately.
The chequered flag tells the participants that the Free Practice, Qualifying, or Grand Prix is over.
3. Start rules
Pit lanes are parallel to the start and finish lines. Team pit lanes open 30 minutes before the start. A formation lap is held to let the engines and tires warm up.
4. Common Penalties for Infractions
F1 employs race stewards who monitor drivers' behaviors. They are given the reign to hand out penalties whenever drivers misbehave. Common punishments for those who misbehave are:
Time, Grid, and Points Penalties: Time addition, grid placement, and points deductions can be applied based on the severity of the infraction.
Drive-Through Penalty: Drivers must obey pit lane speed limit without stopping.
Race Disqualification: When a driver gets a black flag, he can no longer continue.
Common infractions include starting a deliberate collision, speeding in the pit lane, jumping the start, and blocking a driver who was allowed to pass according to the rules.
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