Formula 1 (F1) has always been known as the pinnacle of speed, technology, and fierce competition. Millions of fans worldwide follow every race, marveling at the top-tier performances of drivers and their incredible machines. However, behind the glamour and the roaring engines lie countless strange and surprising truths that even the most avid fans might not know. From the minute details of the drivers’ daily lives to the technical mysteries of the race cars, the world of F1 is far crazier than you can imagine. This article will unveil 25 of these shocking facts, offering a profound and entirely new perspective on the sport dubbed the “Queen of Motorsports.”

The Secret Daily Lives of the Drivers

When we think of F1 drivers, we often picture world-class athletes, meticulously cared for with strict diets and rigorous training regimens. This is entirely true, but the extent of this strictness might surprise you.

First, F1 drivers sometimes bring their own food to restaurants. You heard that right. Due to extremely strict dietary plans, especially during race weekends, it’s not uncommon to see their trainers walking into high-end restaurants near the track carrying pre-plated meals from the team’s caterers. This ensures their driver gets the precise nutrition required without any deviation. A prime example mentioned is George Russell, who often receives his meals this way from his trainer, Alles Casanovas.

Second, the fact that drivers can lose up to 4kg (9 lbs) of body weight during a single race is a staggering reality. This is due to the extreme heat in the cockpit and the immense G-forces they endure, causing the body to lose a massive amount of water through sweat. Races like Singapore and Qatar are particularly notorious for the level of dehydration and exhaustion drivers face. We still remember at the 2022 Qatar GP, Lance Stroll needed assistance to get out of his car, while Logan Sargeant had to retire after 40 laps for fear of blacking out. This is a clear testament to the physical brutality this sport demands.

Third, a rather delicate but no less surprising fact is that F1 drivers may urinate in their race suits. With no bathroom breaks during a race that can last for hours, if nature calls, drivers have to relieve themselves while driving. They typically inform their crew beforehand so there are no surprises post-race, but it’s certainly something few fans would imagine.

Fourth, when it comes to the celebratory champagne on the podium, there’s a little secret: the podium champagne is not cold. Minutes before the end of every race, four Jeroboams of Moët & Chandon champagne are opened and placed on the podium. However, they aren’t chilled. They are served at “podium temperature”—ideal for being sprayed in celebration, not for savoring the taste.

Fifth, for “flyaway” races in regions with significant time differences, like the Singapore GP, drivers often stay on European time. This means that despite being in Asia, they go to bed around 3 or 4 a.m. local time to maintain their familiar biological rhythm, though they wake up later. This is a tactic to minimize the effects of jet lag on their performance.

Mysteries Behind the Speed Machines

F1 cars are not just vehicles; they are technological marvels. Every component is meticulously designed for maximum performance, and some details are truly mind-boggling.

First, a single F1 car can consist of around 80,000 different parts. This colossal number highlights the incredible complexity involved in building and assembling a complete F1 racing machine. Every part plays a crucial role, from the engine and chassis to the intricate electronic systems.

Second, it is astonishing that, theoretically, an F1 car could drive upside down on a ceiling. The downforce generated by an F1 car at high speed is strong enough to hold it against a surface, even if it’s inverted. Although this has never been tested in reality for technical reasons (it would require a massive corkscrew section of track, and the engine and fuel systems aren’t designed to run upside down), McMurty Automotive proved a similar capability with their Speirling model, which was able to suck itself to the floor on a specially built rotating rig.

Third, the steering wheel on an F1 car can cost between $50,000 and $100,000. This is not just a wheel; it’s a mini-computer with around 25 buttons and switches. Drivers must change settings on the wheel while traveling at speeds of more than 300 km/h. Each team also has its own unique steering wheel design, and drivers can customize the functions of the buttons to suit their personal preferences.

Fourth, pit stops can take less than 2 seconds. When F1 began in 1950, a pit stop could take over a minute. Today, with advancements in technology and the relentless practice of the pit crews, the record for the fastest pit stop is 1.83 seconds, set by McLaren for Lando Norris at the 2022 Qatar GP. Initially, this was measured by a sensor set into the tarmac, but now teams use a camera situated above the car for more accurate timing. It’s worth noting that in 1950, they didn’t have tire guns, had fewer crew members, and had to refuel the cars—a practice banned since 2010 for safety reasons and to level the strategic playing field.

Fifth, a key factor influencing race strategy is that Pirelli tires are deliberately made to degrade. Pirelli, the exclusive tire supplier, intentionally designs tires that wear out quickly to spice up race strategy and force pit stops. This compels teams to carefully calculate when to change tires, creating more exciting variables in the race.

Incredible Regulations and Costs

The world of F1 is not just about speed and technology but also about strict regulations and enormous costs that make the sport unique.

First, teams are only allowed four engines per car without incurring penalties. This puts immense pressure on engine durability and management throughout the season, forcing engineers to find ways to optimize performance while ensuring longevity.

Second, F1 cars are not refueled during the race. Since 2010, mid-race refueling has been banned for safety reasons and to balance strategies among teams. This requires teams to calculate the exact amount of fuel needed for the entire race from the very start.

Third, every F1 car has a kill switch. In the event of a crash, safety personnel can instantly shut off the car’s electrical system from the outside by simply pulling a cord. This is a critical safety feature to prevent hazards after an accident.

Fourth, the cost of air freight for F1 is extremely high. With many international races, teams have to transport their gear by air. The annual cost in 2025 to send one kilogram of air freight to all the “flyaway” races is around $400. With each team typically transporting about 35 tons of equipment, the total cost can amount to around $14 million per team per year.

Fifth, all F1 drivers must attend a driver’s briefing. This meeting, run by the FIA, is usually held 90 minutes after the second practice session (FP2), except for the six Sprint Race events when the briefing is held online after sprint qualifying. This is where rules, updates, and safety issues are discussed.

Unique and Unusual Aspects

The world of F1 is constantly evolving, yet it retains some uniquely distinctive characteristics.

First, F1 switched to power steering in the 1990s. Before that, driving an F1 car was a serious workout. However, current F2 and F3 drivers still undergo that physical challenge as their cars do not have power steering.

Second, F1 cars are weighed after the race without their driver. This is done in the FIA garage to ensure teams meet the minimum weight requirements. Once a car has been cleared, the teams retrieve it and wheel it back to their garages.

Third, the Monaco GP has the slowest average speed but is the most prestigious race. Despite its glamour and history, the Monaco circuit has the lowest average speed due to its tight corners and lack of runoff areas. It is also the shortest track, which is a bonus for fans as they get to see the cars pass 78 times, unlike the longest track, Spa, where you only see the cars 44 times during the race.

Fourth, unlike IndyCar, NASCAR, and many other motorsport categories, F1 does not have a resident chaplain or pastor at races to provide pastoral care to those working in the sport. While other series, especially more dangerous rallies with amateur participants, often have chaplains, F1 does not follow this practice.

Finally, an interesting fact about age: in the last 30 years, there has been only one driver in their 40s who has managed to win a feature F1 race. That was Nigel Mansell, who won the 1994 Australian Grand Prix at the age of 41. Although Lewis Hamilton did win a Sprint Race in China at age 40 earlier this year, that is a shorter, less prestigious race.

These facts not only enrich our knowledge of F1 but also reveal the complexity, harshness, and sometimes quirky nature of the sport. From the smallest details of a driver’s diet to the secrets of cutting-edge technology, F1 always finds a way to surprise us and keep our passion alive.