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Formula 1 cars racing at Silverstone Circuit in England, capturing the excitement and competitive atmosphere of motorsport.
Formula 1 cars racing at Silverstone Circuit in England, capturing the excitement and competitive atmosphere of motorsport.
Photo by Samuel Phillips from Pexels
U Mass Amherst | Culture > Entertainment

What the F1?! A Girlie’s Guide to Formula One

Jahana Kharas Student Contributor, University of Massachusetts - Amherst
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Growing up, my dad and I had a ritual: nearly every race weekend, we’d sit in front of the TV cheering on Ferrari. I maintain that if you ask a child to draw a race car, they’ll instinctively reach for a red crayon. Ferrari’s influence? Undeniable. My bias? Also undeniable.

So, when someone tells me Formula 1 is just cars driving in circles, I have questions. Between the strategy, rivalries, and occasional team radio meltdowns, there’s more happening than meets the eye. If you’re curious about F1 but don’t know where to start, consider this your beginner’s guide.

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So, What Exactly Is Formula 1?

Formula 1, or F1, is the highest class of international single-seat auto racing. In other words, it’s the pinnacle of motorsport. During a season, drivers compete in races known as Grands Prix at circuits around the world. The 2026 calendar features 23 races from March through December. However, races aren’t held every weekend. Some take place on consecutive weekends, while others have breaks in between.

There are two championships at stake. The Drivers’ Championship goes to the driver who earns the most points throughout the season, and the Constructors’ Championship goes to the team whose two drivers earn the most combined points. Think individual glory and a group project where everyone actually contributes.

And while F1 is at the top of single-seater racing, it’s only one part of a much larger motorsport world.

Meet the Grid

The 2026 grid features 11 teams and 22 drivers, with two per team. You’ll hear names like Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull. Although teammates drive for the same team, they’re also competing against each other for points and bragging rights. Talk about awkward workplace dynamics. 

All 22 current F1 race seats are held by men, reflecting a gender disparity in the sport. But women are racing too. F1 Academy is an all-female, Formula 4-level series led by former racing driver Susie Wolff. The series is helping create opportunities for young female drivers to develop their skills and progress through the racing ranks.

A red Ferrari Formula 1 car navigating a wet racetrack during rainy conditions at the Interlagos Circuit in SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil.
Photo by Jonathan Borba from Pexels
Your Weekend Plans: Practice, Qualifying and Raceday

Most Grand Prix Weekends run from Friday through Sunday. 

Friday: Practice sessions give teams an opportunity to test car setups and allow drivers to learn the track. 

Saturday: After a final practice session, qualifying determines the starting order through three knockout rounds. The fastest driver earns pole position, or the first spot on the starting grid. 

Sunday: Race day! The top 10 finishers earn championship points, with 25 for first place down to one point for 10th. 

Sprint weekends follow a slightly different format; there’s just one practice session before Sprint qualifying on Friday. Saturday features a shorter Sprint race, with points for the top eight finishers, followed by qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix. More racing, less time to prepare, and naturally, more drama.

It’s Not Just Cars Going in Circles

The fastest car doesn’t automatically win. Weather, pit stops, tire wear and split-second strategy decisions can transform a race.

And women are part of those decisions too. Laura Mueller and Hannah Schmitz are two examples. Mueller became F1’s first full-time female race engineer in 2025, while Schmitz is head of race strategy at Red Bull. Platforms such as Females in Motorsport spotlight women working as drivers, engineers, and journalists. There’s plenty of work ahead to close the gender gap, but the sport is bigger than its starting grid.

Light’s Out, You’re Ready to Watch

Start with one Grand Prix. Follow a driver, learn a few names and let yourself ask questions. For highlights, behind-the-scenes moments and more women to cheer on, check out Formula 1 and F1 Academy on Instagram.
You don’t need to pass an imaginary motorsport exam to belong here.

And if you choose Ferrari, welcome to the family. I can promise passion. I cannot promise a stress-free Sunday.

Lights out and away we go!

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Jahana Kharas

U Mass Amherst '27

Jahana is a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, pursuing a dual degree in psychology and journalism with a concentration in public relations. Having grown up in Dubai, she identifies as a third culture kid and has always been fascinated by how our experiences, relationships and environments shape who we become. Through Her Campus, she explores themes of identity, belonging, friendships and the complexities of navigating your 20s, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and the world around her. With a love for storytelling and understanding people, she hopes to share perspectives that spark curiosity, encourage reflection and remind readers that even the most ordinary moments can hold meaningful stories.