Formula One is the world’s most popular motorsport, and it’s easy to see why. The cars are fast, the racing is intense, and the drivers are some of the best in the business.
However, there’s more to Formula One than just the on-track action. There are plenty of secrets and behind-the-scenes stories that even the most diehard fans may not know about.
Here are 10 of those secrets:
1. The Drivers Might Not Be as Fit as You Think
While Formula One drivers are undoubtedly very fit, they don’t have to be in peak physical condition to compete at the highest level. In fact, many drivers actually gain weight during the season because they burn fewer calories than they did when they were racing go-karts.
2. The Cars Aren’t as Safe as You Might Think
Despite the fact that Formula One cars are some of the most technologically advanced machines on the planet, they’re not necessarily the safest. In fact, there have been a number of serious accidents in recent years, and driver safety is always a concern.
3. There’s More to Racing than Just Driving Fast
While driving fast is obviously important in Formula One, it’s not the only thing that drivers have to worry about. They also have to be strategic, and they need to know when to make pit stops and when to push for position.
4. The Teams Spend a Lot of Money
Formula One teams are some of the most expensive in all of sports. They spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on everything from cars to driver salaries.
5. The Drivers Aren’t Paid as Much as You’d Think
Despite the fact that Formula One teams have a lot of money, the drivers don’t necessarily get paid that much. In fact, many drivers actually make less than $10 million per year.
6. There’s More to Being a Driver than Just Driving
While driving is obviously the most important part of being a Formula One driver, it’s not the only thing they have to do. They also have to be media savvy and good at marketing themselves.
7. The Cars Are Constantly Evolving
Formula One cars are some of the most technologically advanced machines on the planet, and they’re always evolving. Every team is constantly trying to find new ways to make their cars faster and more efficient.
8. The Races Aren’t Always Exciting
While Formula One races are often thrilling, there are also a lot of races that are pretty boring. In fact, many experts believe that the sport needs to do more to make the racing more exciting.
9. There Are a Lot of Politics in Formula One
Like any other sport, there are a lot of politics involved in Formula One. Teams often fight with each other, and drivers can be forced out of races if they don’t follow the team orders.
10. It’s Not Always Easy to Follow
Formula One can be a bit confusing for casual fans, as there are a lot of rules and regulations that can be hard to understand. However, if you take the time to learn about the sport, it can be a very enjoyable experience.