For Sarah’s explanation of the general F1 rules and many other aspects of Formula One racing, have a look at our other F1 pages:
Formula One tracks
There are some truly iconic F1 race tracks around the globe – what’s your favourite and why?
“I’ve been a regular at Spa for the last few years and there has to be a reason to keep going back, it’s a great track with an incredible atmosphere that always offers the chance to see some epic action. I remember Mark Webber’s pass on Fernando Alonso going up the hill through Eau Rouge in 2011, which is still breath-taking to watch. The fans are always brilliant there, too, especially the heaves of Max Verstappen fans there in 2016. The scenery is beautiful and everyone is in a great mood after the mid-season break.”
Are there any plans to amend the existing F1 circuits to keep it more interesting?
“No, I don’t think Formula One’s new bosses Liberty Media are focusing on circuits when it comes to making F1 more interesting or alluring to fans. If you asked the fans then I think most of them just want to see the classic ones on the calendar with their integrity preserved.”
How many laps are in F1, and will this ever change?
“There’s no set number of laps because it depends on circuit length. Cars do 78 laps at Monaco’s twisting street circuit but only 44 laps at Belgium’s epic Spa-Francorchamps track. However, there is a set total distance of 305 km (190 miles) and races can’t exceed the two-hour race limit.”
Formula One calendar
Have you ever been tempted to make amendments to the F1 race calendar?
“Unfortunately, that’s a job for the FIA and the sport’s commercial rights holders and promoters to decide, something Bernie Ecclestone has done for the past 40 years. I would be tempted to amend the calendar and have about 15 races instead. I’d also try to reduce the amount of zig-zagging across the globe and make sure there’s a better logistical geographical path to the various races.”
How busy can the F1 schedule get, and is it tricky staying on top of it?
“Very busy! But it also comes with a set routine, so it’s easy to stay on top of. Sometimes the driver standings might get a little muddled – and by the time it comes to Abu Dhabi you may have forgotten who won in Australia – but it’s fun nevertheless!”
Formula One betting
Formula One is among the most popular betting sports and bwin offers fans a number of betting options on the Championship and the individual Grand Prix races. Some betting possibilities:
* Drivers’ World Championship and Constructors’ World Championship
* Head-to-head bets: which team or driver out of two will do better in the race?
* Bets on the qualifying rounds
* Which driver will make up the most places in the first lap?
Betting rules
Just like Formula One and any other sport, betting has its rules, designed for maximum playing pleasure and fair play. Here you can see how we make betting on sports fun, fair and easy for everyone.
