Variations of F1 racing include Formula 2, Formula 3, and Formula E. F1 races are mostly staged on relatively short circuits worldwide and bounce between a long list of infamous locations from Monte Carlo to Shanghai. As a result, F1 cars generally accelerate and corner faster than Ind圜ars, although Ind圜ars reach much higher speeds. Speaking of corners, Formula 1 takes place on many road and street circuits, emphasizing shorter straightaways and more challenging and frequent turns. This emphasis on aerodynamics and downforce is one of the major differences between F1 and Indy, as the outrageous downforce of an F1 car allows it to whip through the corners of a racetrack at unimaginable speeds. The chassis of F1 cars may appear similar, but unlike their Ind圜ar cousins, each manufacturer engineers their own aerodynamics within the framework of the series’ rules and requirements to generate the maximum possible downforce. These systems allow a modern F1 to crank out around 1,000 horsepower when used in tandem. It’s come a long way since its first race way back in 1950, and a modern F1 car is one of the most technologically advanced automobiles on the planet.Īll vehicles have a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine and a battery-powered electric motor. Formula 1 Racingįormula 1 is the world’s most storied and prestigious automotive racing series. They aren’t identical, though, so let’s dig into the details below. The vehicles in these classes share many similarities, including an open, single-driver cockpit, exposed wheels (hence the term “open-wheel”), and a mid-engine layout. The category is divided into two main types: Formula 1 (or F1) and its derivatives and Ind圜ar, the “American Version” of F1. Only the most skilled drivers in the world can compete at this level, which is important considering the cars on the track are worth millions of dollars (Ferrari alone spent over $400 million on their F1 team in 2019).

Open-wheel racing, or formula racing, is the pinnacle of four-wheeled motorsport.

Whether you’re looking for a new car series to keep up with or something to take up some time until the weather gets warm, here are eight major types of amateur and professional car racing. If you’re looking into racing, there are a few series that you can even compete in. Thanks to new subscription plans, like F1 TV, you can also expand your access to different racing series for an affordable monthly fee. For car enthusiasts in America, though, you can find NASCAR, drag racing, and Global Rallycross (GRC) readily available on TV. Unfortunately, many series aren’t readily available to watch in the US.

Professional racers