GP Race Day guides
Formula 1 explained — rules, weekends & how to watch
Original, search-friendly explainers for new fans and returning viewers. No copied rulebook text — just clear answers tied to how we cover each Grand Prix on GP Race Day.
Race weekend
Qualifying, sprints, session order and what happens on track.
- 8 min readHow does F1 qualifying work?Formula 1 qualifying explained: Q1, Q2 and Q3 eliminations, 107% rule, tyres and how the grid is set for Sunday's Grand Prix.Read guide →
- 7 min readHow does the F1 sprint format work?Sprint race weekends explained: practice, sprint qualifying, sprint points, and when full Grand Prix qualifying takes place.Read guide →
- 5 min readHow long does an F1 race last?Grand Prix distance in km and laps, two-hour time limit, red flags and when half points are awarded.Read guide →
Rules & track
Flags, penalties, parc fermé, DRS and race control.
- 6 min readWhat is DRS in Formula 1?Drag Reduction System (DRS) zones, detection points, and when drivers can open the rear wing flap.Read guide →
- 5 min readWhat is parc fermé in F1?Parc fermé rules after qualifying: which setup changes are banned and what teams can still adjust before the race.Read guide →
- 7 min readHow do F1 grid penalties work?Power unit and gearbox grid drops, how multiple penalties stack, and when drivers start from the pit lane.Read guide →
- 7 min readF1 flags explainedYellow, double yellow, red, blue, green and chequered flags plus safety car and virtual safety car basics.Read guide →
- 6 min readF1 safety car and virtual safety car (VSC)When race control deploys the safety car or VSC, unlapping rules and restart procedures.Read guide →
- 7 min readF1 tyre compounds explainedPirelli slick compounds, mandatory race sets, wet tyres and how strategy affects qualifying and the race.Read guide →
Championship
Points, standings and how titles are decided.
- 6 min readHow does the F1 points system work?F1 points for race and sprint results, fastest lap bonus, and how driver and constructor titles are calculated.Read guide →
- 5 min readHow does the F1 constructors' championship work?Constructor points, team entries vs brand names, and why both drivers matter for the teams' title.Read guide →
Watching F1
Broadcasters, time zones and getting the most from a weekend.