35+ Fast Formula 1 Facts & Stats That Will Surprise You

Formula 1 has dominated the racing world since its start in 1950. Its long history has led to a plethora of incredible drivers and interesting changes to the sport. It remains popular today with millions of viewers around the world. From being one of the most publicized events in the world to drivers losing weight every race, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most surprising Formula 1 facts and statistics!

Staying well hydrated is extremely important for any human being, and it’s particularly essential for athletes. Formula 1 drivers are no exception to this rule. They lose over three liters of water during one race! A combination of their thick suits, expending a lot of energy to withstand the different forces at play, and hot weather in a tight space cause them to lose tons of water weight. We bet they drink way more water than the average person.

Juan Manuel Mangio was an Argentinian F1 driver and is often considered one of the greatest of all time. He was the world champion five times and was the oldest driver to win an F1 title. The average age of Formula 1 drivers is mid-20s. It takes a high level of physical fitness and endurance to get through each race. Juan won at 46 years old, which is over 20 years older than the majority of drivers in the sport!

While F1 cars go through rigorous safety testing, the driver also needs to wear equipment to offer the ultimate protection, since ultimately, the driver is more important than the car. That’s why F1 helmets are the toughest in the world. They go through fragmentation and deformation tests and are made of two layers with carbon fiber as the primary material. They’re extremely light but extremely effective. They protect the drivers from head and neck injuries, which are the most common injuries they could experience.

House flies live an average of 28 days. An F1 engine, on the other hand, only holds out for five to seven races, often lasting less than five. So assuming the drivers compete in several races in a month, a house fly may be around longer! F1 engines are built for speed and precision, which means they are more exposed to extreme wear and tear than a normal car engine. The engine’s tolerance is on a whole other level, and a lot of time and money goes into them.