| Modern Formula One cars are mid-engine, | | | | F1 car's performance through a race weekend, as |
| single-seat cars with an open cockpit and wheel. | | | | weather conditions are commonly unpredictable |
| Much of how they run depends on their weight, | | | | despite updated forecasts. Slick tyres have no |
| centre of gravity, aerodynamics, tyres, breaks, | | | | tread pattern and would cause the most |
| and engine capability. The chassis is made mostly | | | | problems in wet weather. There are other |
| of carbon fibre composites, which makes it stiff | | | | selections of tyres that increase the amount of |
| and strong but lightweight. Often, the cars do not | | | | grip; in the 2009 season drivers were enforced to |
| reach the minimum weight limit, meaning they | | | | use at least two selected types of tyre |
| need to be ballasted to this weight. In the 2009 | | | | throughout a race. |
| season, some cars had a speed boost system | | | | Some technologies are banned in F1, including |
| installed (called KERS) which added extra weight | | | | active suspension, ground effect, and |
| to the car; because of this they had to find ways | | | | turbochargers. However, these cars are still able |
| to distribute the weight of the vehicle so it still | | | | to reach speeds of 220mph at some circuits. The |
| performed ideally. | | | | intense speeds of these vehicles mean that |
| Aerodynamic down-force is largely responsible for | | | | drivers must be incredibly concentrated and fit to |
| the cornering speed on F1 cars; this is how the | | | | maintain focus throughout a race. Normal road car |
| car gets pushed down onto the track. | | | | insurance is priced by risk factors, and road |
| Aerodynamics is controlled by wings mounted at | | | | drivers need training and a license before they |
| the front and rear of the car, as well as the way | | | | can take to the roads properly. F1 drivers know |
| that air generally passes over and under parts of | | | | that their profession is incredibly dangerous which |
| the car. The cars are tuned prior to the race, and | | | | is why they are so involved with the set up of |
| drivers are able to make small amendments | | | | their own car, have years of training, and have an |
| through controls on their steering wheel. | | | | assortment of insurance policies for their |
| The selection of tyres can also greatly impact an | | | | profession. |