Formula 1 Racing:
Formula One racing is popularly referred as F1 racing and officially known as the FIA Formula One World Championship. It is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and is considered as the highest class of single-seat auto racing. In Formula 1 Racing, the word ‘formula’ refers to a certain set of rules that all the cars participating in the race need to comply with. The F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, which are held on purpose built circuits and public roads.

A season of Formula One comprises a series of races. Each race is referred to as “Grand Prix” and is held on purpose-built public roads and circuits. The results of each of these races are then combined to find out two winners- the champion among the drivers and the champion among the constructors.

In Formula One racing, participating cars race at high speeds of up to 360 km per hour and are capable of lateral acceleration of more than 5 g in corners. The performance of the cars depends greatly on electronics, aerodynamics, tires and suspensions.
Formula One racing is a huge television event and comprises a global audience of more than 600 million across the world.

The race:
Before the actual race takes place, the cars are required to participate in a qualifying race to determine the staring position on the grid. The actual race starts with a warm-up lap. After this, all the cars assemble on the starting grid, as per their qualifying order. This lap is known as the formation lap. The warm up lap is very important, as it enables the drivers to check the condition of their cars and also of the track. In addition, it provides the tires with a chance to obtain some heat in them to acquire some much-required traction.

After all the cars have taken their position on the grid, a light system built over the track denotes the start of the race. At this time, five red colored lights are illuminated. The interval between the lights getting illuminated is of one second. Thereafter, all the lights are extinguished at once. This indicates the start of the race. The race consists of a certain number of laps and the person who covers all the laps and reaches the finishing line in the fastest time is declared the winner and is awarded 10 points. No point is given to the drivers who fail to make it to the top 8.

The current scenario:
German driver Sebastian Vettel, of the Red Bull Racing team, is the current Formula One Champion. Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber acquired the second and third positions respectively. Red Bull Racing came first in the constructor’s championship, followed by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro.
The 2011 Formula One season is the 62nd season of the FIA Formula One and will consist of 20 races.