Deciphering The Formula 1 Car Race Rules

car racing

The vehicles used in a Formula 1 car race are highly specialized and must meet certain standards for performance and other rules set forth by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The regulations for this type of car auto racing are set down for a number of reasons. Among these reasons is the need for safety and uniformity in design and performance, while some leeway is given to the constructors who build the cars, for performance optimization.

The Formula 1 cars have a single seat and an open cockpit. The sports auto chassis is made largely from a carbon fiber composite, which allows for strength and stiffness, while still remaining light. The regulations and car guides set down by the FIA state that the combination of car and driver cannot exceed 600 kg. This includes the engine and any fluids added to it, such as fuel and water.

All of the Formula 1 car race vehicles have one thing in common. They are all close to aerodynamic perfection. Rollovers are prevented by the addition of spoilers, or "wings," which are added strategically to the body of the car. These spoilers force the air passing over the car to push the car towards the roadway and provide stabilization. Recently, car racing teams have been gradually adding additional small wings to the body to further improve the cars performance both on the straightaway and in the curves. Because the car is very light, there is a great chance for it to lift up if air gets under it. For this reason, all of the cars have bodies or frames that sit very near to the ground.

Each Formula 1 car race has specific tires that the car racing teams are required to use. They are designed for a specific purpose. Prior to 1998, all of the teams were required to use what is called a slick tire. These were tires with no tread at all. In 1998, the FIA mandated the use of a grooved tire. These tires had four grooves in them and were designed to limit the speed at which the cars could turn. Slick tires are making a comeback though and will be allowed on the F1 car race track again in the 2009 car racing sports season.