How Formula 1 Works: A Beginner’s Guide
How Formula 1 Works: A Beginner’s Guide
New to Formula 1? Here is a clear, jargon-free guide to how F1 works — the cars, the teams, the points and how a champion is crowned.
Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, but for newcomers it can seem bewildering. Here is a clear, jargon-free guide to how F1 actually works — from the cars and teams to how the championship is won.
1. The cars and teams
Ten teams, twenty drivers.
F1 features ten teams, each running two drivers in cutting-edge cars. Constructors design their own machines, making F1 a contest of engineering as much as driving — a stage where Honda has long played a part.
2. The race weekend
Practice, qualifying, race.
A typical weekend builds from practice to qualifying (which sets the grid) to the race itself — explained fully in our race-weekend guide.
3. Points and titles
Two championships.
Drivers score points by finishing position across a season. Two titles are decided: the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship for teams.
4. Why fans love it
Speed, strategy, drama.
F1 blends raw speed, tactical pit-stops and human rivalry. For Japanese fans, drivers like Yuki Tsunoda and the Japanese Grand Prix add a special connection.
Frequently asked questions
How does Formula 1 work?
Ten teams run two drivers each in cars they design; weekends go from practice to qualifying to race, and points across the season decide the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles.
How many teams and drivers are there?
Ten teams and twenty drivers.
What titles are there?
The Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors’ Championship.
Keep exploring
Explore the stories, systems and culture behind Japanese sport.
Sources & notes
- General beginner overview of how Formula 1 works (teams, weekend format, points, titles). General information.
A guide dated 23 June 2026. No copyrighted material is reproduced. General information.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月23日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月23日
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