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Formula 1: what you wanted to know but never dared to ask
By Emanuele Venturoli| Posted September 30, 2021 | In Formula 1, Motorsports, Sponsorizzazioni Sportive
By Emanuele Venturoli| Posted September 30, 2021 | In Formula 1, Motorsports, Sponsorizzazioni Sportive
Formula 1: what you wanted to know but never dared to ask
Aaaaaaah, the Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, the highest form of racing on four wheels, and arguably one of the most popular sports in the world. While some argue that motor racing was born the day the second car was built, there is something about Formula 1 that makes it so attractive and fascinating, yet so far removed from traditional autosport.
An exciting mix of cutting-edge technology, glamour, adrenaline and luxury, Formula 1 is not just a sport, but a high-end marketing platform, a top-notch business suite and a never-fading red carpet for celebrities and the wealthy.
It is therefore not surprising that brands from around the world have always lined up at the doors of teams and organizations to strike multimillion-dollar sponsorship deals in Formula 1. Since the 1960s, F1 has shared its path with the world’s largest companies and industries and brands, starting with tobacco and moving on to banks, carriers, technology companies, and now Forex traders and cryptocurrency brands.
Formula 1 rules and the importance of competitiveness
Some say that much of Formula 1’s charm and beauty comes from its internal difficulties, the many details of a highly structured rulebook, and the challenges posed by a game that is more strategic and tactical than based on the brute force of more than 1,000 horsepower. Others think that racing has become too complex and far removed from its purest idea, which should basically be based on “let’s see the fastest car from here to there.” DRS, MGUs, tire compounds, dual strategies, wake turbulence, and other such gizmos might be every engineer’s wild dream, but they can drive the casual fan away.
Underlying this eternal debate is, of course, the need for increasing competitiveness. A closer field is more fun to watch, more attractive to F1 sponsors, and creates an electrifying narrative. This is music to the ears of sports marketing agencies, sales offices and agents worldwide.
However, there is no denying that Formula 1 can be a difficult sport for beginners to watch, as there is a lot to understand and a lot to do at the same time. So let’s try to shed some light on the matter and list the most common questions about Formula 1 racing and all the information you always wanted to know.
How long does a Formula 1 race last?
Formula 1 races are about 305km long and last an average of 90 minutes with the exception of Monaco whose length is limited to 260km (the duration cannot exceed 3 hours for safety reasons if there is a break). The number of laps obviously depends on the length of the track. F1 cars must go around Monaco 78 times, for example, while it takes only 44 laps of the Circuit de Spa Francorchamps to complete the Belgian Grand Prix.
How do points work in Formula 1?
Points in Formula 1 are awarded according to the final position of the driver-for the drivers’ championship- and both team drivers -for the constructors’ world championship. The Grand Prix winner is awarded 25 points, 18 to the 2nd, 15 to the 3rd, 12 to the 4th, 10 to the 5th, 8 to the 6th, 6 to the 7th, 4 to the 8th, 2 to the 9th and 1 point for the 10th position. No points are awarded for drivers from 11th to last position. Starting with the 2021 Formula 1 season, 1 additional point is awarded to the holder of the fastest lap of the race if he/she manages to finish in the top 10.
How many races are there in an F1 season?
A calendar of 22 races is planned for the 2021 season, with possible variations due to the effects of the COVID pandemic and/or circuit homologation. The season began on the sands of Bahrain on March 28 and will end, as always, in Abu Dhabi‘s Yes Marina.
How many drivers and teams are there in Formula 1?
20 drivers take to the grid each race weekend, two drivers from each team. However, this season there are currently 21 drivers listed as Grand Prix participants sinceAlfa Romeo ‘s Robert Kubica replaced Kimi Raikkonen for a few races during the season.
How does F1 qualifying work?
F1 qualifying sessions are divided into three parts, called “Qs.” During each Q, drivers try to record the fastest lap time with the 5 slowest drivers being eliminated. The final Q then sees the 10 fastest drivers of the afternoon battle it out for pole position, meaning that the fastest driver of the afternoon will start from the first position on the grid on Sunday.
What is a Formula 1 pit stop?
Pit stops occur during races when a driver enters the pit lane area and stops the car in front of the garage, allowing engineers and mechanics to perform tire changes or other modifications. Refueling is prohibited in modern Formula 1 racing, while the rules authorize modifications or tuning of wings.
Are Formula 1 cars 4-wheel drive?
No, Formula 1 cars are not all-wheel drive: all the cars on the grid are rear-wheel drive. Only 8 manufacturers since the 1950s have tried all-wheel drive in Formula 1, with very poor results.
Article 9.2.1 Transmission type, of the latest F1 technical rules “FORMULA 1 TECHNICAL REGULATIONS” published on February 19, 2022 states:
The transmission may only drive the two rear wheels. Formula 1 cars therefore can only have rear-wheel drive.
Who is the current Formula 1 champion?
Max Verstappen of Team Red Bull is the current Formula 1 champion.
The Dutchman managed to prevail over Lewis Hamilton in a heart-stopping finale. This is the first Title for Max who will have to contend with Hamilton in the coming years, The British driver has won 7 world titles and is, with Michael Schumacher the most successful athlete in the sport.
Is Formula 1 faster than NASCAR?
Yes, Formula 1 is faster than Nascar. Thanks to better aerodynamics, lighter weight and a more efficient engine, it can reach top speeds of 372 km/h (Valtteri Bottas at the Mexican Grand Prix). On the acceleration front, F1 cars go from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, while a Nascar takes 3.4 seconds to reach the same speed. Where F1 single-seaters really shine, thanks to state-of-the-art engineering, are cornering speeds.
Who sponsors Formula 1?
Well-known companies and brands from around the world sponsor Formula 1. From Rolex to Aramco, DHL to Heineken to many others. The F1 organization can count on several premium partners, who benefit from international visibility, high-level B2B and B2C opportunities, and many activation possibilities.
Are Formula 1 cars hybrids?
Yes, the current Formula 1 cars are powered by V6 Turbo Hybrid engines. Two Energy Recovery Systems, one for kinetic energy and one for thermal energy, are operating simultaneously, contributing to “traditional” combustion technology.
How much do F1 cars cost?
It is difficult to guess since almost every single component on an F1 single-seater is custom designed and manufactured by the teams themselves and therefore unique. However, several magazines suggest that the price tag for a midfield car could range from € 10 to € 12 million. The steering wheel alone is said to be about €95,000
How many wins does Lewis Hamilton have?
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton won his 100th race at the 2021 Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, becoming the first driver in F1 history to reach such an impressive milestone.
In conclusion
Formula 1 is a complex and exciting platform. More than a sport, it is the pinnacle of the automotive industry, the dream world for every motorsport enthusiast. It is also a perfect base for building new business, entertaining your guests, interacting with audiences around the world, and producing an exciting narrative. If you are curious about how your company could use Formula 1 to grow and do business, contact us today at info@rtrsport.com
Emanuele Venturoli
A graduate in Public, Social and Political Communication from the University of Bologna, he has always been passionate about marketing, design and sport.
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Read MoreWhy choose RTR Sports Marketing
In an era where it is possible to get anywhere with a click, there is a strong temptation to approach teams and properties directly for sponsorship projects.
By doing so, we are convinced that we are shortening the value chain, saving time and money. However, these DYI methods are anything but risk-free and what initially appears to be a competitive advantage soon turns into a problem that is difficult to resolve. That’s why there are agencies. And this is why you should rely on us for your sponsorships.
Save time and money
When first approaching a motorsport sponsorship project, it is difficult to know immediately which stakeholders are correct, what the decision flow is, and what the right timelines are for each process. Motorsport is a very specialized field of action, and fitting effectively into its paths can take a lot of time and therefore money. We, on the other hand, know referents and spheres of action and know who to talk to, when and how. So you are also more effective.
The right information, the right choice
Motorsport is an immense passion, and for our heart colors we would be willing to do anything. But business is a different business, and it is important to make the best possible strategic decisions based on independent research, statistics and reliable data. A motorsport sponsorship agency like RTR has an objective, 360-degree picture of the scenario and can tell you what is really best for you: which racing series, which athlete, which team. This is because we possess a great deal of data and information on ratings, segmentation and attitudes. Because the numbers don’t lie. Never.
Activations are the beating heart
Activations are the real heart of motorsport sponsorship. Without them, there remains only a blank sticker on a motorcycle, car or uniform and no contact with the public, no emotional connection, no impact on the bottom line. Then how do you do it? It certainly won’t be the teams or the athletes who will help you leverage sponsorship and enjoy the many marketing rights you have paid for. To bring out the best in a motorsport marketing project, you need an agency that knows how to use sponsorship to engage the fanbase online, to reach out to Shopping Centers, to organize hospitality, to develop B2B and B2C opportunities, and to get “your” athletes in front of millions of potential consumers.
Objective measurements for a certain return
Would you ever go to the dealer who sold you the car and ask if the competitor’s car is better? No, of course. So, how do you expect to get firm measurements of the effectiveness of your sponsorship if you do not rely on someone super partes? At RTR, we have always worked with independent third-party agencies that allow us to know the return on any exposure of your brand on TV and in the media. In addition, we believe in calculating ROI as the ultimate measure of your success-so we can tell you for every penny you spend how much you are making.
Sit back, relax, we’ll take care of it
We have been involved in motorsport sponsorship and sports marketing for more than 15 years. We are consultants in the sense that our goal is to maximize your investment, but we are also an agency that manages the project from start to finish. We have been doing this since 1995 with passion and professionalism, following three principles that have become cornerstones of our business: independence, verticality and transparency.
I would like to highlight the fact that one of the qualities of RTR is its great ability to approach the sponsorship scenario strategically, together with its passionate attitude, its amazing enthusiasm for solving problems, and its high level of professionalism.
Gianluca Degliesposti
Executive Director Server&Storage EMEA
Eurosport is truly delighted with its business relationship with Riccardo Tafà, who has become extremely popular, thanks to his detailed knowledge of the sports marketing sector and his highly diligent attitude to work.
Francois Ribeiro
Commercial Director
Passion and Expertise are the features that I have found in RTR since the very beginning. Serious and reliable professionals but also very helpful, nice and open-mind people, willing to listen and compare different ideas. All the values in which RTR believes make this agency a partner, not just a supplier, a partner with whom we have had the opportunity to achieve significant commercial results in term of success and image.
Luca Pacitto
Head of Communication
We have been working with RTR Sports Marketing for over 10 years. The objectives and the programmes of collaboration continue to be renewed and to grow with mutual satisfaction. I believe RTR is a team of great professionals led by Riccardo Tafà, who I consider a manager of exceptional skills and with a great passion for his work.
Lucio Cecchinello
Team Principal
I have known and worked with Riccardo Tafà since 1995 when we collaborated for the first time on a project for the Williams Formula 1 team. Several clients followed. After leaving Williams to work for Gerhard Berger then owner of the Toro Rosso F1 Team, I turned again to Riccardo to seek his help in finding a tool supplier for the team and Riccardo duly obliged with an introduction to USAG, a partnership with Toro Rosso which endured for five years. I recently started a new role as Group Commercial Director for the renowned Andretti Autosport organisation and I find myself working with Riccardo once again on a number of interesting projects. Why has this relationship with Riccardo endured ? He’s smart, knows the commercial side of sport inside out and back to front and he’s honest and trustworthy. Riccardo Tafà is a “doer” not a “talker”: in over 20 years I have never had a dispute either with him or with a company that he has introduced and each partnership introduced by Riccardo has delivered quantifiable ROI to rights holder and sponsor alike. I can think of no better testimonial of Riccardo’s diligence, knowledge, contact base and hard work than that.
Jim Wright
Group Commercial Director
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