🏎️ How it works
Formula 1 is not just a race. It is a combination of celebrations, an electrifying atmosphere, and high-speed action that could rival any Netflix show. It is the peak of motor racing, blending expertise, speed, strategy, and allure.
In Formula 1, there are 10 teams, each with two drivers. However, it is more than just the effort of two individuals. The drivers are supported by a team of mechanics, engineers, and strategists who ensure everything runs smoothly.
The 2024 season, F1’s longest campaign to date, runs from March to December and includes 24 races across 21 countries. The races are held on iconic tracks like Monza in Italy and Monaco in France, as well as newer street circuits like Miami and Las Vegas.
Each Grand Prix weekend usually spans three days. On Friday, there are practice sessions leading up to the qualifying race on Saturday. Drivers race against the clock on an empty track to determine their positions for the race on Sunday. The faster a driver finishes in qualifying, the more advantageous their starting position on Sunday.
Some weekends also feature Sprint races, shorter versions of a Grand Prix. While Grand Prix races are at least 305 km long and can last up to two hours, Sprint races cover 100 km and last around 30 minutes. The first two races of the season, as well as the November Las Vegas Grand Prix, take place on Saturdays.
Drivers earn points based on their race finishes. The driver with the most points at the end of the season wins the World Drivers’ Championship, and the team with the highest combined points from both drivers wins the World Constructors’ Championship. Fasten your seatbelt.
🤪 The offseason, aka silly season
For the first time in F1 history, this year’s driver and constructor line-up remains unchanged from last year. However, get ready for a wild silly season ahead.
Although the grid stays the same for 2024, significant changes are expected for 2025. Thirteen out of 20 drivers are in the final year of their contracts.
Silly season has already kicked off with some exciting shake-ups during the 2024 offseason, setting the stage for the 2025 season.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton shocked the world by announcing his move from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, leaving Carlos Sainz without a seat. Hamilton will race his final season with Mercedes while Sainz completes his last for Ferrari.
Additionally, two teams underwent rebranding in the three months between the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
👀 Drivers to watch
🇳🇱 Max Verstappen, Red Bull: Undeniably the most dominant driver on the grid, Max Verstappen won 19 out of 22 races last year. He holds records for the most wins (19) and consecutive wins (10) in a season. Verstappen is the driver to beat.
🇬🇧 Sir Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes: The most successful driver in F1 history, Lewis Hamilton holds records for the most wins (103) and pole positions (104). This season marks his final with Mercedes before joining Ferrari in 2025.
🇲🇨 Charles Leclerc, Ferrari: Hoping to end Ferrari’s championship drought, Charles Leclerc aims to lead Ferrari to victory by winning his first career title.
🇬🇧 Lando Norris, McLaren: Looking to build on last year’s strong performance, Lando Norris hopes to secure his first race win and compete against his teammate Oscar Piastri.
🇨🇦 Lance Stroll, Aston Martin: Representing Canada on the grid, Lance Stroll aims to maintain consistency alongside Fernando Alonso at Aston Martin.
🇺🇸 Logan Sargeant, Williams: The only American driver in F1, Logan Sargeant is eager to make his mark and potentially end the American dry spell in F1.
📺 How to tune in
The first race of the season, the Bahrain GP, is happening this morning at 10 a.m. ET with Max Verstappen on pole position. Tune in on ESPN in the U.S. and TSN in Canada to catch the action live. Vroom vroom.
