Formula One

Formula One is one of the fastest, most technical, and most exciting sports in the world—but behind the speed and noise is a world of science, engineering, and strategy. In the August 2025 issue of MiniMag, we gave readers a fast-paced introduction to F1 racing. Here, we go even deeper—exploring what makes these cars so special, how they’re built, and why Formula One is an incredible way for kids to connect with real-world science and design.

What is Formula One?

Formula One (often shortened to F1) is the highest class of international car racing. Each year, the world’s top teams and drivers compete in a championship made up of around 20 Grand Prix races across the globe—from Monaco and Monza to Melbourne and Mexico City.

But Formula One is more than just fast cars and famous drivers. It’s a sport built on precision, teamwork, and cutting-edge technology. Cars are designed to be incredibly light, incredibly fast, and incredibly safe—all while pushing the limits of physics and engineering.

The Science Behind the Speed

Every Formula One car is a moving science experiment. The goal is to go as fast as possible while staying glued to the track—especially around corners taken at over 250 km/h. That means managing aerodynamics, downforce, friction, and mass all at once.

• Aerodynamics helps the car cut through air efficiently, reducing drag (air resistance).

• Downforce uses air pressure to push the car down onto the track, increasing grip in corners.

• Tyres are engineered for different conditions—soft for speed, hard for durability, and intermediates or wets for rain.

• Braking systems are so powerful that drivers regularly experience over 4G of force when slowing down.

Even the shape of the car’s floor, called the undertray, is designed to create a ground effect—pulling the car toward the road like a vacuum.

For a detailed look at the science behind F1 aerodynamics and car design, visit the F1 in Schools STEM Program—a global initiative that teaches kids real engineering skills through model racing challenges.

Inside the Car and the Team

Each Formula One car is custom-built by its team and packed with over 300 sensors that track everything from tyre pressure to brake temperature in real time. These cars can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h and back to 0 in less than five seconds.

But it’s not just about the car. Each race team includes:

• Drivers trained to react within milliseconds and withstand intense G-forces

• Engineers who design and build the car from scratch

• Strategists who plan every second of the race

• Pit crews who can change four tyres in under 2 seconds

• Data analysts monitoring the car and the competition live

This level of teamwork and communication is part of what makes Formula One such a valuable example for kids learning about systems thinking and collaboration.

You can explore official car tech breakdowns on the Formula 1 Technical News Hub.

A Short History of Formula One

The first official Formula One World Championship race was held at Silverstone, England in 1950. Since then, the sport has evolved dramatically. Early cars were heavy and unreliable, with limited safety measures. Today’s F1 cars are sleek hybrid machines that recover energy from braking and exhaust heat, making them some of the most efficient and advanced vehicles ever made.

F1’s commitment to innovation has led to safety technologies (like the halo head protection system) and sustainability efforts like synthetic fuels and electric-assisted engines.

Why Kids Should Learn About Formula One

Formula One is more than a sport—it’s a real-world classroom. It brings STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) to life in ways that feel exciting, immediate, and relevant.

• Physics: Speed, friction, G-forces, and energy recovery

• Engineering: Car design, aerodynamics, materials science

• Maths: Data analysis, split-second strategy, pit stop planning

• Geography and Culture: Global races teach kids about different countries, cities, and cultures

• Teamwork: Every win is the result of hundreds of people working together

Formula One combines problem-solving with performance. It’s an excellent entry point for kids who are curious about how things work—and how people and machines can work together under pressure.

Keep Exploring

To explore more dives into science, technology, and curious discoveries, check out these past MiniMag features:
👉 CRISPR and The Future — explore how gene editing works and how it might shape tomorrow’s world. 
👉 March 2025: Ancient Wonders and Future Discoveries — adventures in history, weather science, and more from our issue of ancient wonders and future tech.

Ready to Learn More?

Check out the full Formula One feature in the August 2025 issue of MiniMag, where kids can meet famous drivers, decode the parts of an F1 car, and learn how speed really works. It’s a fast, fun, and fact-filled way to turn screen time into science time.