How to get into F1: A guide to the sport

photo courtesy of Janice Potter Sophomore Daniel Potter watches the most recent Formula 1 race in Japan. He watched his favorite driver, Kimi Antonelli, win.

Formula One (F1) Racing is the next up and coming sport. With major growth in popularity last year, F1 reached an all time high of 827 million fans in 2025. Fans also accomplished a new record of 19 sold out events across last season, according to the official Formula One website.

As of 2026, F1 revolves around 11 teams and 22 Formula One cars. Over the course of 24 Grand Prix weekends around the world, each driver works to finish first and score points for themselves and their team. The first 10 cars to cross the line at the end of a Grand Prix win points in decreasing amounts. In the constructors championship, both drivers are working to have the most combined points for their team, while simultaneously also working toward the individual drivers’ championship, according to the official Formula One website.

“My favorite part about f1 is honestly how fast the cars go,” junior Savannah Werner said. “I love cars and getting to watch people drive them as a sport is so cool to me. The competition is amazing.”

How to Become a Fan:

1. Pick a favorite team

With the addition of Cadillac this year, there are now 11 teams in F1. Mercedes, ranked No. 1 this season, draws a lot of attention and fans to the team. Drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell are setting Mercedes on a course for victory. Although some may call Ferrari a bandwagon, this season they are currently ranked No. 2. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, and Charles Leclerc could lead Ferrari to a first or second place title. McLaren and Red Bull are also popular teams with top drivers. Max Verstappen with Redbull, is a four-time World Champion but was beaten by Mclaren driver Lando Norris last year according to the official Formula One website. Choose the team that interests you the most and follow them.

“My favorite team is Mercedes, and my favorite driver is Kimi Antonelli,” sophomore Daniel Potter said. “Although Max Verstappen isn’t my favorite driver, he's my brother’s, and so I've gotten to focus on watching him a lot more. Max is a generational talent, and if you are just getting into F1, learn about him and see what a good racer he is and how much he adds to the grid.”

2. Learn about the sport

To understand Formula One Racing, research is required. Learn about how the races work, the rules, the drivers and the teams. You do not need to know every detail to start being an F1 fan, but as you learn more, your understanding and enjoyment will grow. There are lots of little pieces that you can learn over time by watching the sport, or find a friend who has been enjoying the sport for a while and probe them with your questions.

3. Watch the races and social media

Apple TV has signed an exclusive deal with F1 making it the only place to watch full F1 races in the U.S., according to Formula1.com. Subscriptions start at 12.99 a month. Following social media covering F1 is a great way to catch anything you missed. However, if you don’t want to pay for a subscription, clips, stats, interviews and highlights from each race can be found on YouTube or other websites. To start watching, find what weekend races are scheduled and what time (EST) they will be streaming. The next race weekend, May 1–3, takes place in Miami and features the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. 

“I’ve been following F1 for a little less than a year,” sophomore Daniel Potter said. “My cousin first got me into it and then recently, my brother and I have bonded over our love for Formula 1. 

4. Go to a race or local event

Going to watch the races is difficult if you don’t live by one, but it is well worth the entertainment and thrill if you have the chance to attend in person. There are around 40 tracks worldwide, three in the U.S., with Miami International Autodrome being the closest F1 track in Florida. GPDestinations.com states that attending races can cost between $500-2000+ for a full weekend per person, but general admission starts at $100-300. Also there are various local events in Atlanta including the Red Bull Showrun scheduled for August 1. This event features Red Bull Formula One cars showcasing their skills and speed in the streets of Georgia. 

“My favorite part about f1 is honestly how fast the cars go,” junior Savannah Werner said. “I love cars and getting to watch people drive them as a sport is so cool to me. The competition is amazing.”