Formula 1 (F1) is the highest class of single-seat, open-wheel motorsport sanctioned by the FIA. Ten teams and twenty drivers compete in Grands Prix across the globe for the Drivers' and Constructors' World Championships each season.
Modern F1 cars reach top speeds of around 360–370 km/h (225–230 mph) on the longest straights. The fastest speed ever recorded in a race was 372.6 km/h by Valtteri Bottas at Monza in 2016.
The 2026 F1 season runs from March to December with 24 Grands Prix. Check our Race Calendar for exact dates, session times and circuit info for every round.
F1 races are capped at 2 hours. Most Grands Prix last between 1h 30min and 2 hours depending on circuit length and conditions. Sprint weekends also include a shorter 30-minute Sprint race with its own points.
A complete F1 car costs approximately $12–15 million USD. The power unit alone accounts for $10–12 million. The 2026 cost cap limits team spending to $135 million per season (excluding driver salaries and top staff).
In the USA, F1 races are broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2. F1 TV Pro offers live streaming of every session globally. Sky Sports F1 covers all races in the UK. Some races are available on free-to-air channels depending on your country.
