By: Taegan Hardy
A couple of years ago I was introduced Formula 1. It was on the TV one morning and it caught
my attention in a way that just stuck. I was pretty young at the time so I didn’t really have any
personal interests, but with some future found knowledge of fan culture and the amount of
content I saw surrounding the sport, I inevitably fell in love with F1.
my attention in a way that just stuck. I was pretty young at the time so I didn’t really have any
personal interests, but with some future found knowledge of fan culture and the amount of
content I saw surrounding the sport, I inevitably fell in love with F1.
Before I talk about it’s personal importance to me, I’d like to explain the history of the sport and
aspects of how it works. Formula 1 began with the British Grand Prix in 1950 at Silverstone.
aspects of how it works. Formula 1 began with the British Grand Prix in 1950 at Silverstone.
Though Grand Prix’s were held earlier in history, this was the first F1 race in a World
Championship. F1 consists of 10 teams and 20 drivers (two drivers per team), all changing over
the years. Each team also has a reserve driver who is ready to race in case one of their main
drivers cannot, and/or a third driver who does test drives. During each season, they go to
different countries and race on famous tracks. This is called the calendar, which can also
change. In a race weekend there are typically 3 practices, a qualifying, and a race (excluding
the occasional sprint and sprint shootout.) The top three drivers get trophies for making the
podium and a constructors trophy is given out to the team the race winner drives for. Drivers
strive to get points and win races, while their team strives to build the best car and make the
best strategies. All the points add up in the end determining the World Championship Winner.
Championship. F1 consists of 10 teams and 20 drivers (two drivers per team), all changing over
the years. Each team also has a reserve driver who is ready to race in case one of their main
drivers cannot, and/or a third driver who does test drives. During each season, they go to
different countries and race on famous tracks. This is called the calendar, which can also
change. In a race weekend there are typically 3 practices, a qualifying, and a race (excluding
the occasional sprint and sprint shootout.) The top three drivers get trophies for making the
podium and a constructors trophy is given out to the team the race winner drives for. Drivers
strive to get points and win races, while their team strives to build the best car and make the
best strategies. All the points add up in the end determining the World Championship Winner.
Though beautiful on its own, the general sport is not the only reason I love F1. The people on
the team really make the sport lovable. Watching funny interviews and teammates playing
games together adds an element of fun and a personal connection with the fans. All the drivers
have very distinct personalities and something hilarious they’re known for which will make you
want to root for them on and off the track. I can imagine most sports have very important
moments, but there’s something special about F1. There is truly no feeling like watching a driver
you love win their first race or drive their last.
want to root for them on and off the track. I can imagine most sports have very important
moments, but there’s something special about F1. There is truly no feeling like watching a driver
you love win their first race or drive their last.
In F1 you can support your country, favorite driver, learn about rich history, aerodynamics, and
plenty more. Formula 1 is a beloved sport that means so much to so many people, especially
me. Watching races is a rare time where I can forget about every problem in the world and enjoy
the moment. F1 has given all fans a wide range of emotions and I am so glad I get to be apart of
that experience
plenty more. Formula 1 is a beloved sport that means so much to so many people, especially
me. Watching races is a rare time where I can forget about every problem in the world and enjoy
the moment. F1 has given all fans a wide range of emotions and I am so glad I get to be apart of
that experience
