How does a Formula 1 automotive work?
by Radhanaresh Kevin Gunnampalli
Video
All drawings and designs are created by Radhanaresh Kevin Gunnampalli
Basics of Formula 1:
Race Schedule
Formula 1 is considered to be the pinnacle of motorsports as its automotives feature an advanced set of engineering principles and use great aerodynamics to set the spectacle around the world.
Coppell's Vision
Teams and Championships:
Teams and Championships:
There are 11 teams in this motorsport with rich heritage and histories: Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Racing Bulls, Alpine, Williams, Cadillac, Haas, Aston Martin and Audi. Each team sports two drivers and all 22 drivers fight in the World Drivers Championship, while the teams fight in the World Constructors Championship. Click on the drivers logo to learn more about the teams and their drivers.
Points and Tracks:
When the teams fight, they all fight for points for each of the 19-23 rounds (races). The top ten only score points, so the 12 drivers are in vain and keeps things very competitive. Tracks are located all around the world, all in different continents. The U.S. houses three of the races: the Miami Grand Prix, the United States Grand Prix (Austin) and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Power Units
All of the cars' power units are techinically engines and power. Each 2026 car contains a 1.6-litre, turbocharged, 90 degree V6 engine with an electric motor. On top of these features, they contain an energy reduction system (ERS), a battery and control electronics. However, they are made by power-unit manufacturers which are Ford, Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda and Audi. Teams can make their own power-unit if they are an automotive, and Mercedes have the best selling engine so far. These are almost imperative to the sport as it holds most of the power. The engine is almost the brain of the car and it holds the workings of certain axles and controls the speed of each car. These all run on eco-sustainable fuels and battery, making the car half-electric.
Video
Coppell's Vision
Aerodynamics
Unlike typical hypercars like a Bugatti Chiron or a Nissan Skyline, these cars have very advanced aerodynamics. Basic cars my use a spolier to diffuse air better to increase speed and mileage, but these cars have two wings: the front wing and the back wing. These two elements along with the ground create an enivronment to commerate less drag on the car, however it loses its downforce. Downforce is ultimately necessary for high speed corners like Monaco's twisty turns or Spa's iconic Eau Rouge, which requires immense downforce for safety and completion. The two wings do not make up the car, as teams ensure its curvature and design can be aerodynamically efficient as possible. This is the reason for the sidepods, flourished floor design and fins on the sides. These split and guide the airflow and allow for more speed than your regular road car. Feel free to click on the front or back wing to learn more about these components.
Coppell's Vision
Tire Usage and Strategy
Tires and strategy are two huge components within the actual race apart from the engineering of the car. The types of tires used in the sport are hard, medium and soft. Soft tires maintain a low durability, but give the driver a faster experience on track. Hard tires maintain a high durability, but give the driver a slower experience on track, Mediums giving a steady durability and a steady race pace. However, teams cannot stay on the same compound during the race, they have to have one pit-stop occur, which means they lose track position. Teams have to strategically time the pitstop or it would be a risky situation with the driver. Sometimes, teams may look out for their drivers to conserve their tires on track and give the most possible fair experience between teammates if given a 'rocketship' of a car.
Video
Coppell's Vision
New Regulations and Design
BOOST MODE
Every four years, car regulations and appearances change, and this year, the regulations will change once again. However, there are still tiny things that make the car what it is. The car sports a brace over the driver cockpit, known as the halo. The halo was introduced in 2018, and it protects drivers from heavy impact due to its components and structure. All cars have lights on the side mirrrs and the back to indicate braking, safety calls and signals throughout the race. In 2026 races, drivers have new modes to allow ease into new positions and gain track time in qualifying. Boost Mode, Active Aero and Overtake Mode all become a key aspect in terms of speed. Hover over any of the mode titles to understand more context about that mode.
ACTIVE AERO
OVERTAKE MODE
Coppell's Vision
Voices from Coppell
"How do you feel about F1?"
"I enjoy watching it, I think it is a great sport to watch and just gets me started in morning." - Luis Sanchez, senior
"It is an interesting sport to watch and it's fandom is growing pretty fast." - Vedant Singh, junior
"Do you think the F1 movie relfects the sport in general?"
"I do not think the F1 movie relfects the scene of the motorsport as actor Brad Pitt could never endure the g-forces on his neck like the others." - Coleman Salazar, sophomore
"I do not think the movie represented the drivers well, as they focused on the aesethic instead." - Luis Sanchez, senior
Voices from Coppell
"How do you feel about the new FiA regulations?"
"I think a big criticism is it's just a boost button now, and I feel like it simplifies what racers have to do." - James Veliyathumally, senior
"It has completely changed the sport, even though it might look like it has become a lot more competitive with all of these new modes: it is hard for the drivers and puts them in more distress. " - Sharvesh Ramakrishnan, senior
"I think it actually makes the cars really slow, as you can compare from last year's cars: it really shows the decrease in speed. " - Vedant Singh, sophomore
"I think it is way more different than other motorsports like NASCAR or the World Endurance Championship. " - Nikhil Desai, senior
Voices from Coppell
"Do you feel the switch to 50/50 power unit affects the sport?"
"Yeah, because switching from a combustion engine to electric power will change the speed of the cars, this shows when the car is slow on the turns but more faster on the straights. Some drivers have been complaining about these new rules and some are not, but it all depends on their season. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell are having a good season as their cars are able to reach podiums and actively score points. On the other hand, you have Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso endlessly complaining over the new regulations, who are not having a good season. We can reasonably conclude that it is anyone's fair game, as there could be potential bias and it is completely reliant on the cars." - Sharvesh Ramakrishnan, senior
"These engines are specifically similar to Formula E, which means they will poach engineers from the league specifically. This also might be a form of 'eco-cleansing,' and I really think that F1 should rethink this concept." - James Veliyathumally, senior
BACK WING
BACK WING
The back wing is another highly useful component in the aerodynamic body of a Formula 1 car as well, as it sports a flap in the back that is openable to deploy a boost of speed on the straight-aways and reduce drag. Before Active Aero, a system that allows anyone to use this mechanism, there was the Drag Reduction System (DRS). DRS was a feature on the car that reduced drag and opened up for a higher diffusion of air and reduced incidences of 'dirty air,' a phenomena where the car in-front is creating a bad slipstream and almost leads to turbulence within the vehicle.
In this scene from F1: The Movie, both of the characters try to win APXGP's first race. This is an example of Formula 1 strategy, as it shows the risks of gambling on slick tires for track position. Video courtesy Apple Original Films
Race Structure and Inner Workings of F1
FRIDAY
Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2
Drivers will go out on track and test out their car on track, practicing driving skills and necessary data for the race as a whole. These two sessions are a hour long and it sets up the frame work for Sunday.
SATURDAY
Free Practice 3 and Qualifying
The last amount of data intake occurs and finally set the order of the grid. The 22 cars go all out in qualifying, where they order drivers at the starting line. Each car does their fastest lap and gets ranked, but in blocks of time like Q1, Q2 and Q3. Q1 knocks out the six slowest drivers(17th-22nd), while Q2 knocks out the other six slower drivers (11th-16th). This leaves the top ten to duke it out for pole position (which means the driver that is nearest to the finish line).
SUNDAY
Race
The race occurs for nearly two hours, with Monaco being the highest amount of laps so far: 78 laps. Races will still occur even if it rains as they are certain tires meant for such actions.
FRONT WING
FRONT WING
The front wing is one of the most crucial parts of the aerodynamic body of a Formula 1 car, specifically it's design. It is open with two sidewings to help with diffusing air throughout the car and completely reducing drag. The flat connections curve and connect to the tip of the car and are actually movable, which they push down to open more air like the back wing's flap.
This video showcases a side by side comparison of how the engine is not the only tool of command within the racing division. We see a 2026 Red Bull and a 2026 Mercedes fight each other in Australia 2026 Qualifying. Video courtesy yelistener on Youtube
Voices from Coppell
"How do you feel about the new strategies involved this season?"
"I think the new procedures and ideas in place were brought by the 50/50 power unit and it really brings everything together really well." - Aarav Kushan, junior
"There actually is not much anymore as it used to be, as every car looks, drives and acts exactly the same. The pit engineers really just wait for the guy in front to screw up somehow and take advantage of it." - Enzo Madero, senior
"I feel the current strategy has moved off from its current trajectory and it is going from a more environmental and economic stance. I think they are controversial as Ferrari's flip wing and the new power units really change up strategy for the drivers and the engineers. " - Sharvesh Ramakrishnan, senior
This is a Formula 1 'hype video' starring Damson Idris and multiple drivers. Feel the thrill with this short video. Video courtesy Formula 1
Voices from Coppell
"How do you feel about aerodynamics changing the sport?"
"I think the new aerodynamic modes in 2026 make the sport more competitive and makes it more interesting. This change in aerodynamics also makes the sport more interesting. This also allows teams to get more control over how often the modes are unlike Drag Reduction System (DRS), which was implemented last year. " - Samarth Prasad, senior
"The new cars give less downforce and is really an issue of this year, I feel that more downforce helps on track becuase it allows them to take turns at a higher speed because they have more grip on track. " - Aarav Kushan, junior
"Aero does play a huge role in the sport, as Red Bull copied Ferrari's new 'macarena' wing with the 180 degree turn to enable better racing. The new rules help the aerodynamic sector entirely as it allows for new perspectives and views on DRS and other systems. " - Sharvesh Ramakrishnan, senior
2026 Current List of Drivers:
In Formula 1, there are 11 teams and 22 drivers. All teams do not have to manufacture their own engine, because only five companies create engines: Honda, Ford (Red Bull), Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault. Teams who create their own engine and power unit usually let their engines be bought out by other teams, this is allowed as it is a business within the teams and allows for more money to be used. All 22 drivers compete in the World Drivers Championship, while all 11 teams compete in the constructors. Hover over Red Bull's teams to learn an interesting fact.
McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team
TGR Haas F1 Team
Lando Norris
Esteban Ocon
Oscar Piastri
Ollie Bearman
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team
Audi Revolut F1 Team
George Russell
Nico Hulkenberg
Kimi Antonelli
Gabriel Bortoleto
Scuderia Ferrari HP
Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team
Charles Leclerc
Fernando Alonso
Lewis Hamilton
Lance Stroll
Oracle Red Bull Racing
BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team
Max Verstappen
Pierre Gasly
Isack Hadjar
Franco Colapinto
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team
Cadillac Formula 1 Team
Liam Lawson
Sergio Perez
Arvid Lindblad
Valtteri Bottas
Atlassian Williams F1 Team
Carlos Sainz
Alex Albon
How does a Formula 1 automotive work?
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Transcript
How does a Formula 1 automotive work?
by Radhanaresh Kevin Gunnampalli
Video
All drawings and designs are created by Radhanaresh Kevin Gunnampalli
Basics of Formula 1:
Race Schedule
Formula 1 is considered to be the pinnacle of motorsports as its automotives feature an advanced set of engineering principles and use great aerodynamics to set the spectacle around the world.
Coppell's Vision
Teams and Championships:
Teams and Championships:
There are 11 teams in this motorsport with rich heritage and histories: Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Red Bull, Racing Bulls, Alpine, Williams, Cadillac, Haas, Aston Martin and Audi. Each team sports two drivers and all 22 drivers fight in the World Drivers Championship, while the teams fight in the World Constructors Championship. Click on the drivers logo to learn more about the teams and their drivers.
Points and Tracks:
When the teams fight, they all fight for points for each of the 19-23 rounds (races). The top ten only score points, so the 12 drivers are in vain and keeps things very competitive. Tracks are located all around the world, all in different continents. The U.S. houses three of the races: the Miami Grand Prix, the United States Grand Prix (Austin) and the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Power Units
All of the cars' power units are techinically engines and power. Each 2026 car contains a 1.6-litre, turbocharged, 90 degree V6 engine with an electric motor. On top of these features, they contain an energy reduction system (ERS), a battery and control electronics. However, they are made by power-unit manufacturers which are Ford, Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda and Audi. Teams can make their own power-unit if they are an automotive, and Mercedes have the best selling engine so far. These are almost imperative to the sport as it holds most of the power. The engine is almost the brain of the car and it holds the workings of certain axles and controls the speed of each car. These all run on eco-sustainable fuels and battery, making the car half-electric.
Video
Coppell's Vision
Aerodynamics
Unlike typical hypercars like a Bugatti Chiron or a Nissan Skyline, these cars have very advanced aerodynamics. Basic cars my use a spolier to diffuse air better to increase speed and mileage, but these cars have two wings: the front wing and the back wing. These two elements along with the ground create an enivronment to commerate less drag on the car, however it loses its downforce. Downforce is ultimately necessary for high speed corners like Monaco's twisty turns or Spa's iconic Eau Rouge, which requires immense downforce for safety and completion. The two wings do not make up the car, as teams ensure its curvature and design can be aerodynamically efficient as possible. This is the reason for the sidepods, flourished floor design and fins on the sides. These split and guide the airflow and allow for more speed than your regular road car. Feel free to click on the front or back wing to learn more about these components.
Coppell's Vision
Tire Usage and Strategy
Tires and strategy are two huge components within the actual race apart from the engineering of the car. The types of tires used in the sport are hard, medium and soft. Soft tires maintain a low durability, but give the driver a faster experience on track. Hard tires maintain a high durability, but give the driver a slower experience on track, Mediums giving a steady durability and a steady race pace. However, teams cannot stay on the same compound during the race, they have to have one pit-stop occur, which means they lose track position. Teams have to strategically time the pitstop or it would be a risky situation with the driver. Sometimes, teams may look out for their drivers to conserve their tires on track and give the most possible fair experience between teammates if given a 'rocketship' of a car.
Video
Coppell's Vision
New Regulations and Design
BOOST MODE
Every four years, car regulations and appearances change, and this year, the regulations will change once again. However, there are still tiny things that make the car what it is. The car sports a brace over the driver cockpit, known as the halo. The halo was introduced in 2018, and it protects drivers from heavy impact due to its components and structure. All cars have lights on the side mirrrs and the back to indicate braking, safety calls and signals throughout the race. In 2026 races, drivers have new modes to allow ease into new positions and gain track time in qualifying. Boost Mode, Active Aero and Overtake Mode all become a key aspect in terms of speed. Hover over any of the mode titles to understand more context about that mode.
ACTIVE AERO
OVERTAKE MODE
Coppell's Vision
Voices from Coppell
"How do you feel about F1?"
"I enjoy watching it, I think it is a great sport to watch and just gets me started in morning." - Luis Sanchez, senior
"It is an interesting sport to watch and it's fandom is growing pretty fast." - Vedant Singh, junior
"Do you think the F1 movie relfects the sport in general?"
"I do not think the F1 movie relfects the scene of the motorsport as actor Brad Pitt could never endure the g-forces on his neck like the others." - Coleman Salazar, sophomore
"I do not think the movie represented the drivers well, as they focused on the aesethic instead." - Luis Sanchez, senior
Voices from Coppell
"How do you feel about the new FiA regulations?"
"I think a big criticism is it's just a boost button now, and I feel like it simplifies what racers have to do." - James Veliyathumally, senior
"It has completely changed the sport, even though it might look like it has become a lot more competitive with all of these new modes: it is hard for the drivers and puts them in more distress. " - Sharvesh Ramakrishnan, senior
"I think it actually makes the cars really slow, as you can compare from last year's cars: it really shows the decrease in speed. " - Vedant Singh, sophomore
"I think it is way more different than other motorsports like NASCAR or the World Endurance Championship. " - Nikhil Desai, senior
Voices from Coppell
"Do you feel the switch to 50/50 power unit affects the sport?"
"Yeah, because switching from a combustion engine to electric power will change the speed of the cars, this shows when the car is slow on the turns but more faster on the straights. Some drivers have been complaining about these new rules and some are not, but it all depends on their season. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell are having a good season as their cars are able to reach podiums and actively score points. On the other hand, you have Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso endlessly complaining over the new regulations, who are not having a good season. We can reasonably conclude that it is anyone's fair game, as there could be potential bias and it is completely reliant on the cars." - Sharvesh Ramakrishnan, senior
"These engines are specifically similar to Formula E, which means they will poach engineers from the league specifically. This also might be a form of 'eco-cleansing,' and I really think that F1 should rethink this concept." - James Veliyathumally, senior
BACK WING
BACK WING
The back wing is another highly useful component in the aerodynamic body of a Formula 1 car as well, as it sports a flap in the back that is openable to deploy a boost of speed on the straight-aways and reduce drag. Before Active Aero, a system that allows anyone to use this mechanism, there was the Drag Reduction System (DRS). DRS was a feature on the car that reduced drag and opened up for a higher diffusion of air and reduced incidences of 'dirty air,' a phenomena where the car in-front is creating a bad slipstream and almost leads to turbulence within the vehicle.
In this scene from F1: The Movie, both of the characters try to win APXGP's first race. This is an example of Formula 1 strategy, as it shows the risks of gambling on slick tires for track position. Video courtesy Apple Original Films
Race Structure and Inner Workings of F1
FRIDAY
Free Practice 1 and Free Practice 2
Drivers will go out on track and test out their car on track, practicing driving skills and necessary data for the race as a whole. These two sessions are a hour long and it sets up the frame work for Sunday.
SATURDAY
Free Practice 3 and Qualifying
The last amount of data intake occurs and finally set the order of the grid. The 22 cars go all out in qualifying, where they order drivers at the starting line. Each car does their fastest lap and gets ranked, but in blocks of time like Q1, Q2 and Q3. Q1 knocks out the six slowest drivers(17th-22nd), while Q2 knocks out the other six slower drivers (11th-16th). This leaves the top ten to duke it out for pole position (which means the driver that is nearest to the finish line).
SUNDAY
Race
The race occurs for nearly two hours, with Monaco being the highest amount of laps so far: 78 laps. Races will still occur even if it rains as they are certain tires meant for such actions.
FRONT WING
FRONT WING
The front wing is one of the most crucial parts of the aerodynamic body of a Formula 1 car, specifically it's design. It is open with two sidewings to help with diffusing air throughout the car and completely reducing drag. The flat connections curve and connect to the tip of the car and are actually movable, which they push down to open more air like the back wing's flap.
This video showcases a side by side comparison of how the engine is not the only tool of command within the racing division. We see a 2026 Red Bull and a 2026 Mercedes fight each other in Australia 2026 Qualifying. Video courtesy yelistener on Youtube
Voices from Coppell
"How do you feel about the new strategies involved this season?"
"I think the new procedures and ideas in place were brought by the 50/50 power unit and it really brings everything together really well." - Aarav Kushan, junior
"There actually is not much anymore as it used to be, as every car looks, drives and acts exactly the same. The pit engineers really just wait for the guy in front to screw up somehow and take advantage of it." - Enzo Madero, senior
"I feel the current strategy has moved off from its current trajectory and it is going from a more environmental and economic stance. I think they are controversial as Ferrari's flip wing and the new power units really change up strategy for the drivers and the engineers. " - Sharvesh Ramakrishnan, senior
This is a Formula 1 'hype video' starring Damson Idris and multiple drivers. Feel the thrill with this short video. Video courtesy Formula 1
Voices from Coppell
"How do you feel about aerodynamics changing the sport?"
"I think the new aerodynamic modes in 2026 make the sport more competitive and makes it more interesting. This change in aerodynamics also makes the sport more interesting. This also allows teams to get more control over how often the modes are unlike Drag Reduction System (DRS), which was implemented last year. " - Samarth Prasad, senior
"The new cars give less downforce and is really an issue of this year, I feel that more downforce helps on track becuase it allows them to take turns at a higher speed because they have more grip on track. " - Aarav Kushan, junior
"Aero does play a huge role in the sport, as Red Bull copied Ferrari's new 'macarena' wing with the 180 degree turn to enable better racing. The new rules help the aerodynamic sector entirely as it allows for new perspectives and views on DRS and other systems. " - Sharvesh Ramakrishnan, senior
2026 Current List of Drivers:
In Formula 1, there are 11 teams and 22 drivers. All teams do not have to manufacture their own engine, because only five companies create engines: Honda, Ford (Red Bull), Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault. Teams who create their own engine and power unit usually let their engines be bought out by other teams, this is allowed as it is a business within the teams and allows for more money to be used. All 22 drivers compete in the World Drivers Championship, while all 11 teams compete in the constructors. Hover over Red Bull's teams to learn an interesting fact.
McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team
TGR Haas F1 Team
Lando Norris
Esteban Ocon
Oscar Piastri
Ollie Bearman
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team
Audi Revolut F1 Team
George Russell
Nico Hulkenberg
Kimi Antonelli
Gabriel Bortoleto
Scuderia Ferrari HP
Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team
Charles Leclerc
Fernando Alonso
Lewis Hamilton
Lance Stroll
Oracle Red Bull Racing
BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team
Max Verstappen
Pierre Gasly
Isack Hadjar
Franco Colapinto
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team
Cadillac Formula 1 Team
Liam Lawson
Sergio Perez
Arvid Lindblad
Valtteri Bottas
Atlassian Williams F1 Team
Carlos Sainz
Alex Albon