Fun trivia about Formula One

Formula 1 is undeniably one of the most technologically advanced forms of sports, with so much attention to detail going into both the drivers and the cars. Here are a few interesting facts about the fastest motorsport in the world. 

• The average cost of an F1 car is $10 million. But don’t forget about the millions that were spent on research and development.

• The standard F1 car comprises of about 80,000 components.

• The minimum weight permissible of an F1 car is 1,500 lb including the driver.

• The F1 driver loses approximately 8lb during a race. To help them hydrate, F1 cockpits have drinking bottles installed.

• During a race, F1 drivers experience up to 5G under braking and 3G under acceleration. As a result, F1 drivers need to develop their neck muscles in order to endure G-forces.

• F1 car brakes are made from indestructible carbon fibre and need to be at a minimum temperature of 500°C before they work properly.

• Before the Monaco Grand Prix, manhole covers are welded down as the downforce created by the cars is strong enough to throw them open.

• The average F1 car can go from 0 to 100 mph and then decelerate back to 0 in less than five seconds.

• F1 driver helmets are amongst the toughest things in the world. During tests, the helmets are subjected to 800-degree flames for 40 minutes.

• F1 cars are incredibly strong. In 1977, David Purley was involved in a crash where the impact was estimated at 197.8g ─ in other words, his car went from 108mph to a complete standstill in 2 seconds.