Formula 1 racing (F1) captivates audiences around the world with its thrilling speeds and complex strategies in each race. The F1 season includes races across different continents, featuring international events in places such as Monaco, Japan, Italy and Brazil. Each race, known as a Grand Prix, takes place on either closed circuit tracks or public roads specially prepared for the event. Formula 1 racing was established in 1950 and has been growing in popularity in recent years since the introduction of the Netflix show – Drive to Survive – which shows drivers behind the scenes of the teams and lets viewers into the lives of the racers.
Let’s look at some important F1 related Advanced English vocabulary to help you understand and enjoy this sport even more.
Race day
The car
As you step into the paddock (the area where all the teams are based), the first thing that catches your eye is the aerodynamic design of the race cars. In each race car is a cockpit where the driver sits. It has a removable steering wheel with state-of-the-art technology to help drivers achieve speeds of up to 220 miles per hour!
At the front of the car you’ll see the nosebox, which enhances aerodynamics and protects the driver during collisions. You’ll also see at the back and sides of the car there are wings or winglets, which generate downforce to make the car go faster, help it stick to the track and navigate high speeds.
The team
In each paddock, you’ll see a constructor from teams such as Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG or Red Bull Racing. Constructors are the brains behind the car design, and they can win points in the constructors championship when their drivers win races.
Also on the team are the mechanics, who make sure the car is ready to perform on race days.
Each team also has a team principal who is responsible for the whole team, including the overall team strategy for the race.
The race
Cars start off in the pit lane, where they come out of their garage after making sure they have the correct tyres, enough (but not too much) fuel and are ready to get on track. The cars then move to the starting grid, where they get into position to begin the race.
Race positions are determined over the course of a weekend, in races called qualifying. This is where cars go round the track and the fastest driver takes pole (position), meaning they come first. During qualifying races, cars get knocked out at each stage (totalling 3 rounds of qualifying), and this determines their starting position.
On the main race day, cars start by doing a formation lap. This is to warm the tyres. When drivers are back in position, they wait for the countdown until it’s “lights out and away we go”!
Each F1 circuit has a different length, and therefore a different number of times that the car needs to go round. For example, the Spa track in Belgium is the longest, while Monaco is the shortest.
During the race, drivers will need to take a pit stop. This is because they are required to take at least one, though depending on tyre degradation (how worn the tyres are), the weather and whether they have damage to their car, they may take two or three. However, it’s important to note that a pit stop takes a lot of time out of the race – up to 30 seconds at some circuits – and therefore affects in which position the driver comes out. This is why strategy is so important.
If there’s an accident or a car goes off the track, there may be a safety car. This is when a car comes out onto the track and the racing cars follow, to ensure low speed while the debris (broken off parts) from the car is cleared.
Penalties and flags
During the race, if drivers see a yellow flag, this means there’s an obstacle on track and they must slow down. If a specific driver sees a black flag, it means they have broken the rules and must return to the pits.
The Grand Prix season runs from March to November, which gives you plenty of time to catch some races and practise this useful Advanced English vocabulary about Formula 1 racing in conversation.
Want to learn more sport-related language? Check out this post on language to talk about the football Euros!
Activity
Answer the questions about Formula 1 racing.
1) What is the area called where the teams are based?
2) What is the first lap called before the race starts?
3) Who is responsible for the whole team and their strategy?
4) What is the first position called?
5) How does a driver get first position?
6) What do drivers need to do at least once in the race?
7) What might happen if there’s an accident?
8) What does a yellow flag mean?
Answers
1) The paddock
2) Formation lap
3) The team principal
4) Pole (position)
5) By getting the fastest lap in qualifying
6) Pit stop / take a pit stop
7) A safety car will come out
8) Slow down
Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known assessment titles, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development training platform and podcast. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.
