Race day
- A Formula One race starts with a warm-up lap on the pit lanes (tracks away from the grid and are
parallel
to the start/finish line).
- Thirty minutes before the start: Cars have to be driven to their grid positions. (If a car fails to do
that, it must start the race from the pit lane and can enter the track only after the field has completed
the first lap.)
- At the grid, mechanics make final preparations and adjustments.
- Five minutes before the race: All race personnel, except the drivers, have to leave the grid.
- A green light signals the start of the formation lap, a single loop around the track. Drivers are not
allowed to overtake except to regain a grid position.
- A race official enters the track, behind the grid, and uses a flag to signal to the race controller that
the field is in place.
The start
The race controller switches on the starting lights (10 red lights in 5 columns). A series of red lights
flashes until a final red light comes on and goes out. When the last red light goes out, the race begins.
Pit stops
This is when cars come into the pit stalls (located on a pit lane) for quick maintenance, change of tyres,
mechanical repairs or adjustments and other actions required during the race.
Winner
The driver who crosses the finish line first after completing a pre-determined number of laps is the
winner.
Podium
At the end of the race, the drivers who finish at first, second and third positions stand on a podium and
are awarded trophies. A constructor's trophy is presented to the winner's team.
Points
The winner receives 25 points, the second-place driver get 18 points, with 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1
points for positions from 3 to 10, respectively. One bonus point is awarded to the driver and team with the
fastest lap of the race, if they finish in the top 10.
