Formula 1 is a very complex sport, relying not only on the entertainment of the cars competing in an exciting race, but also exploiting a lot of technology and techniques so that the course can be covered very quickly and safely.
That’s why we thought we’d create a Formula 1 glossary, with the main terms used by the racers and the technical side. Those who already follow the sport know some of them, but if you’re just starting out in this universe, it’s time you got to know them and understand what they mean.
Check out our list with the glossary of Formula 1 its main terms. These include apex, pits, FIA, starting grid, paddock, pole position and much more!
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Check out the Formula 1 glossary
Formula 1 Glossary: complete list
Check out the list of the Formula 1 Glossary that will be developed below.
- Apex
- Aerofoil
- Balaclava
- Bubble
- Butterfly
- Boxes
- Gravel box
- Chicane
- Cockpit
- Elbow
- DRS
- FIA
- Starting grid
- Grand Chelem
- Ballast
- Paddock
- Lollipop
- Pit-stop
- Pole Position
- Burning the start
- Safety car
- Saint Anthony
- Tracing
- Zebra
Formula 1 Glossary: get to know the main terms
Now it’s time to find out what the terms in the Formula 1 Glossary mean.
Apex
Apex is the imaginary point closest to the inside of a curve, used by pilots to know when to turn.
Aerofoil
The aerofoil is a part that sits at the front or back of the car, and has the function of keeping the car pressed to the ground so that it doesn’t lift at high speed.
Balaclava
The balaclava is a kind of protective cap worn by riders under the helmet, also featuring flame-retardant technology.
Throttle
The throttle is a gear-changing device located behind the steering wheel.
Pits
The pits are basically the places where the cars make their pit stops, so that the mechanics can tinker with the car when necessary.
Gravel pit
A gravel pit is a space filled with stones and sand used to slow down cars and prevent accidents from happening.
Chicane
A chicane is a bend that is also designed to slow vehicles down.
Cockpit
The cockpit is the space inside the vehicle where the driver sits to drive.
Elbow
The elbow is a 180° bend that forms part of the track.
DRS
The DRS, or Drag Reduction System, is a system designed to make the car stick to the ground more, gaining more speed.
FIA
FIA stands for the International Automobile Federation.
Starting grid
The starting grid is a place on the track that has markings on the ground so that the cars know where to position themselves before the start.
Grand Chelem
Grand Chelem is the name given to a driver’s perfect race, which happens when he completes a lap very quickly and becomes the leader of the race on every lap.
Ballast
Ballast is an object that basically exists to complete the weight of a car, as there is a minimum weight that the vehicle needs to cover.
Paddock
The paddock is an area behind the pits where race guests and team members can circulate at will.
Lollipop
The lollipop is a sign shaped like a sweet. It is used by the pit stop mechanics to let the drivers know that the tires have been changed and that they can return to the track to continue the race.
Pit-stop
The pit-stop is a stop that takes place when the car enters the pits to change tires and refuel the vehicle.
Pole Position
Pole position is the first position on the starting grid.
Burning the start
Burning the start is a term used when a driver accelerates before being released to start the race.
Safety car
The safety car is a vehicle that enters the track when an incident occurs, causing the cars to slow down so that the problem can be resolved. When the safety car is on the track, racers are prohibited from overtaking.
Santo Antonio
The Santo Antônio is a bar that sits on top of the car to prevent it from tipping over. It is positioned above the driver’s helmet, also protecting their physical integrity in the event of an accident.
Track
The layout is actually the same thing as the track, and is applied to the entire contour of the circuit to be covered.
Zebra
Finally, the zebra is an auxiliary area on the outside of the track that is there so that the car can get around the corner without going off course and being penalized.
Formula 1 Glossary
Formula 1 glossary: complete list
- Apex
- Aerofoil
- Balaclava
- Butterfly
- Boxes
- Gravel box
- Chicane
- Cockpit
- Elbow
- DRS
- FIA
- Starting grid
- Grand Chelem
- Ballast
- Paddock
- Lollipop
- Pit-stop
- Pole Position
- Burning the start
- Safety car
- Saint Anthony
- Tracing
- Zebra
Formula 1 is a sport that has countless followers and fans all over the world, and is one of the most anticipated sporting attractions every year.
The sport has already produced a number of great athletes and continues to introduce us to racers who love what they do, and are becoming more and more famous for their talents behind the wheel.
Did you enjoy getting to know the sport’s main terms in the Formula 1 Glossary? Now, take advantage of having come this far to explore our other articles on the subject, discovering everything and more about this exciting sport!
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