A blend of tradition and futurism, Formula 1 is a complex race that spans thousands of components – from detailed bodywork to suspension elements to turbo-hybrid power units and eight-speed paddle shift gearboxes. Each of those components plays a vital role in making Formula 1 cars the fastest on the planet and able to achieve astronomical speeds – as well as a host of other impressive feats – while also allowing drivers and teams to compete for precious points that can make all the difference when it comes to securing a Championship win.
The sport’s ranking system ensures fairness, competitiveness and opportunity for underdogs, ensuring the sport remains as dramatic and unpredictable as its heritage suggests. Each race weekend offers drivers and teams 24 opportunities to pick up crucial World Championship points that factor into F1’s live rankings, with consistency – not just victories – becoming increasingly important as the season unfolds.
In 74 years of Formula 1 history, the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships have come down to the last Grand Prix in a dramatic fashion on several occasions. For example, in 2007, Kimi Raikkonen beat Lewis Hamilton to the title by just a point at Interlagos and, in 1986, Nigel Mansell was defeated by his Williams team-mate Alain Prost by just two points after sixteen races.
Dead heats in the team standings happen fairly regularly – though never to decide the destination of the championship itself – with the tiebreaker going to the team that has more wins. If there is still a tie, the ranking is broken down by second place finishes, third places and so on until a winner is determined.