Formula 1 is part sport, part soap opera, part high-speed fashion show. It’s where the world’s best drivers battle in cars that look like spaceships, moving faster than your morning coffee kicks in. If you’re new to the world of F1 – maybe Drive to Survive got you curious, or perhaps you're heading to Melbourne for this week's Grand Prix – we've put together the ultimate Formula 1 beginner's guide, so that you can stay up-to-date as the race unfolds.
The grid is like a game of musical chairs
Before the race starts, drivers line up based on how fast they were in Saturday’s qualifying session. The fastest gets “pole position,” meaning they start at the front. But trust us, anything can happen once the lights go out.
Pit stops are basically an Olympic sport
Cars don’t just refuel (actually, they don’t refuel at all), but they do swap tyres in less than three seconds. Teams practice this like it’s an Olympic sport because a bad stop can ruin everything.
These cars are basically rocket ships
F1 cars aren’t just fast – they’re aerodynamic masterpieces designed to grip the road like a cat clinging to a ledge. Each team builds their own, so some cars are naturally better than others. Unfair? Maybe. Entertaining? Absolutely.
Tyres matter more than you think
Soft, medium, or hard – it’s not just about comfort. These tyre types affect speed and wear, and picking the right one at the right time can be the difference between winning and spinning.
Fashion and F1 are more intertwined than you think
In the fast lane of Formula 1, the racetrack is as much a catwalk as it is a speedway. Here, aerodynamically sleek machines and their drivers' chic, branded suits strut their stuff, marrying speed with style in a high-octane fashion show. It's where the thrill of racing and the flair of haute couture collide, creating a spectacle that's as stylish as it is swift. Let's take Mercedes' collaboration with adidas for example, or the editorialised shoot Ferrari debuted ahead of the season. In the world of F1, style is just as crucial as speed.
F1 is a high-speed soap opera
There are rivalries, team betrayals, dramatic radio messages (Why did you not listen to me?!), and even team bosses throwing shade. The real action often happens off the track.
There are 21 Formula 1 races in the 2025 calendar
The 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix calendar lists a total of 21 races. Each event promises a unique blend of thrilling racing action and cultural festivities, offering fans a season packed with speed and spectacle around the globe. Here is the full calendar.
- March 16: Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
- March 30: Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir
- April 13: Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai
- April 27: Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku
- May 11: Miami Grand Prix, Miami
- May 25: Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo
- June 8: Spanish Grand Prix, Barcelona
- June 22: Canadian Grand Prix, Montreal
- July 6: Austrian Grand Prix, Spielberg
- July 20: British Grand Prix, Silverstone
- July 27: Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest
- August 24: Belgian Grand Prix, Spa-Francorchamps
- September 7: Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort
- September 21: Italian Grand Prix, Monza
- October 5: Singapore Grand Prix, Singapore
- October 19: Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka
- October 26: Qatar Grand Prix, Lusail
- November 9: United States Grand Prix, Austin
- November 23: Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City
- November 30: Brazilian Grand Prix, São Paulo
- December 7: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina
DRS = Free Speed Boost
The Drag Reduction System (DRS) lets drivers open a special part of their car to go faster on straight sections. It’s like a turbo button – only legal and highly strategic. It is typically activated by a driver when they are within one second of the car ahead on specific parts of the track designated as DRS zones. There's no set limit to how many times a driver can activate DRS during a race, but its use is strictly regulated to these zones and conditions.
There are two championships
Drivers race for personal glory, but teams also compete for the Constructors' Championship (aka big prize money). A great car and a bad driver won’t cut it – you need both to win.
The last lap can change everything
Just when you think the race is wrapped up, something bonkers happens. A last-minute overtake, a crash, a dodgy strategy – F1 keeps you on your toes until the very last second.
