The Need for Speed

Formula 1 (F1) has long been hailed as the pinnacle of motorsport. In recent years, it has exponentially surged to mainstream popularity as the 2019 Netflix docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive gained widespread success. This boom has also reached Korea, to the point where Incheon City submitted a letter of intent last April to host a future race. Discover what awaits in the adrenaline-filled world of F1 with the Sungkyun Times (SKT).

Lights Out and Away We Go

-The Formula behind F1

F1 is the highest international category of open-wheel single-seater car racing. Early motor racing has existed since the 19th century, but it was not until 1946 that the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), F1’s governing body, standardized a set of regulations or formula. Eventually, the FIA Formula One World Championship was inaugurated in 1950, marked by the race or Grand Prix in Silverstone, England. Since then, F1 cars have evolved tremendously with aerodynamic features that make them capable of reaching speeds as fast as 370 km/h — faster than the Korean Express Train (KTX). They also have more safety measures, such as the Halo, a three-pronged titanium bar on the cockpit that deflects debris and absorbs impact. This sleek machinery, coupled with high-performance driving, synergistic teamwork, and neck-and-neck racing continues to attract fans.

-Champion of the World

As of the 2024 season, there are 20 drivers — two for each of the 10 constructors — that race in the 24 Grands Prix held across 21 countries. These Grands Prix typically span over three days. Free Practice sessions are held from Friday to Saturday for drivers and teams to familiarize themselves with the circuit and refine car setups. Then, drivers compete to set the fastest lap time in Saturday’s three-stage Qualifying session, determining their position in the starting grid. The race finally takes place on Sunday, where drivers speed across straights, maneuver around corners, and attempt overtakes for approximately 305km. Teams also strategize on tire compounds that would best suit track conditions and when to conduct the required tire-changing pit stop. Drivers who finish among the top ten receive a certain number of points based on their ranking, and an additional point is given to the one who drives the fastest lap. At the end of the season, these points are totaled by each driver and constructor to crown the Driver’s and Constructors’ Champions respectively.

Futuristic Tech, Decades-Old Problems

-Innovations beyond the Grid

Unlike in other motorsports, each F1 constructor must create its own car. As such, teams experiment with various technologies and maximize their capabilities to develop fast, efficient machinery. Sometimes, these innovations — such as the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) — cascade down to everyday vehicles. Introduced to F1 in 2009, KERS captures energy from braking and saves it to later propel a car. Since then, this system has been adopted in public buses, helping save fuel during acceleration by utilizing energy stored from their frequent stops. Constructors also utilize their engineering skills to impact industries beyond motorsports. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, seven teams partnered with the United Kingdom government to manufacture medical devices. One of these teams was Mercedes-AMG Petronas, which co-developed a breathing aid suitable for mass production in under 100 hours by reverse-engineering the then-in-shortage Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.

-Red Flag, Red Flag!

While F1 is at the forefront of innovation in many areas, it has not always been up to speed regarding sustainability. In 2022, the sport produced more than 223,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent — 78% of which was attributed to logistics and business travel. This carbon footprint may worsen if not properly addressed, as the sport’s growing popularity opens the possibility for additional Grand Prix. Besides, F1 also faces concerns regarding its lack of diversity. In its seven-decade history, only one driver of black ethnicity and five female drivers have been featured. This disparity is also observed off the grid, where merely 1% of those employed in 2021 were of black ethnicity, and only 31% of the staff in 2022 were women. Hannah Tayzon shared her perspective as a female F1 fan, “Not only does this lack of representation discourage women hoping to enter the industry, but motorsports are also denied of talented individuals from this demographic.”

Racing Toward the Checkered Flag

Since committing to net-zero carbon by 2030, F1 has undertaken several environmental initiatives, contributing to a 13% carbon emission reduction between 2018 and 2022. Some efforts include utilizing biofuel-powered trucks for freight transportation and grouping races within the same region to minimize long-distance travel. Additionally, F1 has focused on making the sport more inclusive. It began a partnership last April with Mission 44, a charity founded by the seven-time champion and first black F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton. Together, they provide financial and career support for students from underrepresented backgrounds who wish to pursue jobs in the industry. Meanwhile, the sport launched the F1 Academy in 2023, a female-only, junior-level racing championship, to help young female drivers progress into higher motorsport levels. Paddock Project podcast hosts Tiggy Valen, Chesa Sacchi, and Sarah Hannigan highlighted that “the incredible amount of support and buy-in they have received from F1 teams and the FIA will be crucial to the continued growth and long-term success of the series.” F1 has taken significant strides in recent years; however, monitoring whether they translate these into long-term, industry-wide changes remains crucial.

F1 continues to test the limits of speed with cutting-edge engineering, high-stakes strategy, teamwide coordination, and risk-chasing drivers. With the sport joining the race toward a better future, thrill-chasing Kingos have much reason to tune in and fulfill their need for speed!