F1 FAQ
Everything you need to know about Formula 1 terminology and concepts
What is DRS (Drag Reduction System)?
A movable flap on the rear wing that reduces drag on designated straights, enabling closer overtakes. Activated only in DRS zones when a car is within one second of the car ahead.
What is a Pit Window?
The optimal laps during which teams plan tyre changes, balancing track position with tyre degradation. Pitting too early or too late can cost time.
What are Tyre Compounds?
F1 uses five primary compounds labeled C1 (hardest) to C5 (softest). In wet conditions, teams switch to 'Intermediate' (green sidewall) or 'Full Wet' (blue sidewall) tyres.
What is an Undercut?
When a driver pits earlier than a rival to gain track position on new tyres, hoping the rival stays out longer and loses time on worn rubber.
What is an Overcut?
Staying out longer on worn tyres while a rival pits early, trying to set fast laps on lighter fuel and clear track before pitting.
What is the Halo?
A titanium safety device introduced in 2018 to protect the driver's head from flying debris. It forms a three-point structure around the cockpit.
What is a Hybrid Power Unit (PU)?
Modern F1 engines combine a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 and two energy recovery systems (MGU-K and MGU-H) to harvest and deploy electrical energy.
What is the Cost Cap?
A budget limit set by the FIA (currently around $140 million per season) to level the playing field and cap excessive spending by top teams.
Have more questions? Check out our F1 Glossary for additional terms and definitions.