Challenges of Bringing F1 Racing to Real Roads

Safety: One of the primary concerns of organizing F1 races on real roads is safety. Dedicated race tracks have been designed with ample runoff areas, tire barriers, and other safety features to minimize the risk of accidents. Real roads, on the other hand, may lack these safety measures, making it more challenging to ensure the safety of drivers, spectators, and local residents.

Road Conditions: Race tracks are meticulously maintained to provide a smooth and consistent surface for F1 cars. Public roads are typically not held to the same standards and may have uneven surfaces, potholes, or debris, which could negatively impact the performance of F1 cars and increase the risk of accidents.

Logistics: Organizing an F1 race on real roads would require significant planning and coordination with local authorities. Road closures, traffic rerouting, and other logistical challenges would need to be addressed to minimize disruption to local residents and businesses.

Advantages of F1 Racing on Real Roads

Accessibility: Holding F1 races on real roads would bring the excitement of motorsports closer to fans who may not have access to traditional race tracks. This could help broaden the appeal of F1 racing and attract new audiences.

Unique Racing Experience: Racing on real roads could provide drivers with a unique and exhilarating challenge, as they navigate unfamiliar terrain and adapt their driving strategies accordingly. This added element of unpredictability could make races more exciting and engaging for both drivers and spectators.

Iconic Locations: Racing on real roads would allow F1 cars to speed through iconic cities and landscapes, creating a visually stunning spectacle and a fantastic marketing opportunity for the sport.

Real Road Racing: Concept to Reality

The idea of holding F1 races on real roads is not entirely new. The Monaco Grand Prix, held on the streets of Monte Carlo, is a prime example of a successful race that takes place on public roads. However, to bring F1 racing to more real road locations, several steps would need to be taken:

Collaboration with Local Authorities: F1 organizers would need to work closely with local governments to address safety, logistical, and environmental concerns.

Road Modifications: In some cases, it may be necessary to modify or upgrade public roads to meet the safety and performance standards required for F1 racing.

Public Support: Engaging with local communities and businesses will be crucial to garner support for F1 races on real roads. This could include organizing promotional events and offering economic incentives to offset potential disruptions.

Embracing New Possibilities in F1 Racing

The future of Formula 1 racing on real roads holds immense potential for redefining the sport as we know it. By pushing the boundaries of traditional racing, F1 can continue to captivate audiences and attract new fans, while challenging drivers to adapt and excel in dynamic environments. Moreover, as electric and sustainable technologies advance, F1 races on real roads could also contribute to the evolution of urban mobility and inspire innovative solutions for greener transportation. Ultimately, embracing the possibilities of F1 racing on real roads could lead to a new era of motorsports that combines speed, excitement, and sustainability in a unique and exhilarating way.

Building Global Connections Through F1 Racing on Real Roads

Formula 1 has long been a symbol of international collaboration, bringing together teams, drivers, and fans from around the world. By expanding F1 racing to real roads in diverse locations, the sport can further strengthen global connections and promote cultural exchange. As F1 cars race through the streets of cities steeped in history, they will not only create unforgettable spectacles but also offer opportunities for local communities to showcase their heritage, traditions, and innovation. In this way, F1 racing on real roads can serve as a catalyst for positive change, fostering unity, and driving progress both within and beyond the world of motorsports.

The concept of Formula 1 tracks on real roads presents both challenges and opportunities for the world of motorsports. While safety and logistical concerns must be addressed, the potential benefits of increased accessibility, unique racing experiences, and iconic race locations make this idea worth exploring. With careful planning, collaboration, and public support, F1 racing on real roads could become a thrilling reality for fans and drivers alike.

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In the early 20th century, it was believed that the tracks should be long, complex and run through the settled areas, between the fields, villages and pastures. The norm was considered the length of the circuit more than 20 km. It was thought that the rider who did not learn by heart the configuration of the track better reveals the abilities of a pilot. But this approach prevailed until the 20-ies. Spectacle and safety requirements gradually ousted long tracks, and by 50-ies race tracks were no longer larger than 6 km. Rings, loops and ovals became the tools to improve motorsport.

Spa-Francorchamps track – How not to run over a chicken?

Motorsport in France and Belgium is inextricably linked to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The idea of creating a sports track near Liège belongs to journalist Jules de Thiers, one of the heads of the large Belgian newspaper La Meuse. Jules was in love with the nascent motorsport and believed that motor racing would breathe new life into World War-torn Belgium. In 1920 his idea was supported by Henry van Ofem of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, who lobbied the government to build the track. As a result, under the track was allocated several country roads near the village of Francorchamps, meandering between hills, woods and even houses, which made the route interesting to race. The 14 km dirt track was not much different from today’s rally specials.

When choosing the place of competition, Henry van Ofem and Jules de Thiers had cheated. Nearby was the famous mud resort of Spa, where wealthy tourists from all over the world vacationed. Their presence could have made the races in Belgium famous throughout Europe. And so it happened. Despite the fact that in 1921 only one racer applied for participation, just three years later, in 1924, a 24 hour endurance race was held where dozens of athletes competed. The circuit was paved and the great Belgian Grand Prix took place as early as 1925. These races were the forerunner of the post-war Formula 1 series, which came to Belgium in 1950.

Speeds were increasing and the large length of the circuit began to raise questions. For example, it was easy to run over a chicken or crash into a farmhouse! That’s what happened in 1966 to rider Jackie Stewart at the Belgian Grand Prix. He lost control, went off the track and rammed into a peasant’s barn! Despite the driver suffering with broken arms and legs, the circuit management undertook the construction of a new circuit in 1972, fully complying with the new FIA requirements. A modern 7 km-long circuit was built next to the historical route.

Spa-Francorchamps has retained its character. The new circuit is as fast as ever and abounds with gradients, which makes racing interesting. But most importantly, Francorchamps has a variable climate. The Ardennes mountains are cloudy and it can rain unexpectedly, which adds spice to the races.

The Belgian Grand Prix, Formula 1, DTM, GP2 and motorcycle races are held at Spa-Francorchamps.

The track in Monaco – At the personal invitation of the prince

The history of the Southern Circuit de Monaco, namely the Monte-Carlo circuit, is unusual. Technical sport has been developing in this seaside principality since the end of the 19th century. As early as 1880, a cycling association emerged. Then, with the development of automobiles, the association expanded its powers and in 1907 added the word auto to its name. Racing championships were held right in the streets of Monte-Carlo, but their status was still low, while the ruling house of the Principality of Monaco was struggling for respectability. In 1928, Prince Louis II supported the initiative of sports enthusiast Anthony Noghes and funded the Monaco Grand Prix. The city’s narrow roads were redesigned to accommodate the most powerful machines of the time. For greater solidity, only drivers who received a personal invitation from the prince could take part in the race. The first victory in Monte Carlo in 1929 was won by the British William Grover-Williams in a Bugatti Type 35B.

The track to this day is almost unchanged. It also passes through a tunnel and a sea harbor, where high-speed sections, alternating “hairpin” and a series of mountain turns with altitude differences. In the harbor, the pilots risk flying into the water. It is not surprising that in the 20s Prince Louis II ordered special attention to safety. Already in the 20’s the first bumpers appeared, but two pilots in the history of the Circuit de Monaco still swam in the harbor.

In general, despite the tortuosity and the abundance of unseen sections, the circuit in Monte Carlo is considered one of the safest. Only two pilots died here during all the races.

This is due to the special attention paid to the construction of the sports facility and the strict compliance with the regulations of the Automobile Association. As a result, the Monaco Grand Prix has achieved a very special aristocratic status and become the crown jewel of F1 since its early years. Today, the Circuit de Monaco is on the calendar of nearly every prestigious championship, including Formula 1, GP2 and others.

The track at Monza – Fast and onslaught

The fastest to this day is considered to be the Monza circuit in Italy. It was created in the early 20’s for the Italian Grand Prix. The reason for building the circuit was a crushing defeat of the Italians from the French in the race at Brescia. In 1921, not a single Italian car came to the finish line and all the prizes went to the eternal rivals of the southern nation. To prevent such disgrace in the future, a good speedway was needed where Alfa Romeo racers could unleash their potential. The Mussolini party that had just come to power had invested heavily in motorsport. Senator Silvio Crespi, chairman of the Automobile Club of Milan, together with Arturo Merzania, the appointed director of the circuit, found a place in the Monza Park. The design of the American track in Indianapolis was taken as the basis of the track. In order not to disturb the historical landscape, the roads were laid on the existing passages. The builders managed to achieve minimum clearance of the forest.

Already in 1922 the first version of the track was put into operation. Its length was 14 kilometers. Monza indeed turned out to be the fastest in Europe. Bolides raced here at more than 200 kilometers per hour. Accidents began. Many pilots ended their days in Monza, however, Italy came out as the leaders of Motorsport and rubbed the nose not only of the French, but also the Germans. At Monza, engineer Enzo Ferrari shone and strengthened the glory of his machines.

Meanwhile, because of safety requirements in 1938-39, it was necessary to reconstruct the site. Because of the long distance, rescuers did not always have time to reach the victims. The length of the track was reduced to 6.3 km. A 2,000-seat grandstand, concrete fence and 30 service boxes were built.

The Monza circuit is still considered the fastest in Formula 1. On August 25, 2005 Juan-Pablo Montoya drove his McLaren to a Formula 1 speed record of 372.6 km/h during test runs. It also recorded the highest overload of 5g experienced by a driver when decelerating from 300 km/h to 80 km/h.

Monza is loved by mechanics and engineers, because it’s the engineers who win races here, not the drivers. In Monza, there are a lot of straight lines, where the leading role is played by engines, aerodynamics and suspension settings. The outcome of the Grand Prix depends on how the mechanics and technicians work.

Silverstone track: Humming like an airplane

The Silverstone circuit in Britain has a strong touch of militarism. It is striking with its large expanses and the hum of the engines, spreading across the plains for many kilometers. During the war the airfield at Silverstone was home to the U.S. and British air armies. Hundreds of strategic four-engine bombers took off from here toward enemy shores to achieve hegemony in Europe for their creators. Now the battle for leadership between European nations is being waged on the very ground of Silverstone.

In 1948, when the Americans took their armies across the ocean, the Royal Automobile Club was looking for a place to set up a driving range. Silverstone suited as best as possible. Excellent concrete lanes with flat pouring could accept any high-speed cars. The first races were held here in 1948 directly on the runways airfield among the planes, fuel barrels and other military stuff. The track looked like an hourglass and allowed relatively high speeds. The first British Grand Prix took place as early as 1950. In the same year at Silverstone were held and competitions in the newly created Formula 1. The “royal” race received the attention of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. It was the first and only time in the history of Silverstone.

Now, the configuration of the track has changed. It is laid outside the concrete runways of the airfield and runs along the former auxiliary taxiways. Only on some high-speed sections, it enters the former “concrete runways. This configuration seemed more interesting for racers and technical services. The length of the Formula 1 circuit has never exceeded 6 km. and ran very compactly, so that the marshals could reach any end of it within a few minutes. The track is 13 meters wide, opening up great opportunities for overtaking.

The Indianapolis track – Power and spectacle

The history of automobile tracks in the U.S. took a different path. Long “European” gingerbread cars didn’t take root in the ocean right away. No one wanted to watch the strings of cars stretching along the 14-kilometer road among the rural plains, scaring the chickens away. Americans wanted spectacle, power, and a demonstration of superiority. Indianapolis in the early 20th century was considered the capital of America’s automobile industry. And it was here in 1908 that a consortium of automakers, together with the American Automobile Association AAA, decided to create a giant 2.5-mile long oval proving ground to test sports cars. Very quickly the testing grew into a full-fledged competition, and Indianapolis Motor Speedway launched America’s most legendary race, the Indianapolis 500 Mile.

“The Indy 500 was first held in 1908. Then, on May 30, Memorial Day, the command “Gentlemen! Start your engines!” which has been uttered ever since as a motto and a message before every race. In the 500-mile races, competitors must complete 200 laps (500 miles or 804 kilometers). In 1908, race winner Ray Harroun drove a Marmon Model 32 and covered the distance in 6 hours 42 minutes and 8 seconds. One hundred years later, on May 30, 2008, Englishman Dan Weldon in a Dallara / Honda sports car spent 2 hours. 56. minutes and 11 seconds.

The track was originally unpaved, but very quickly it was covered with special red tiles, which earned it the nickname “Old Brickyard” Brickyard. Now the track has a concrete surface, but at the start and at the finish there are fragments of the old “Brickyard,” which is revered. Tradition is important to America. Over the past century, the track has grown. Now it can hold up to 400,000 spectators, making the Indianapolis oval the largest race track in the world.

Track at the Nürburgring – Torture for the pilot

Perhaps the most famous track in Russia is the German North Loop at the Nürburgring. Although the old circuit is no longer used for top-class racing, its importance has not been lost. The historic Nürburgring remains as iconic an attraction as it was half a century ago.

Construction of the circuit began in 1927 in the Eifel mountains, some 70 kilometers south of Cologne, at the behest of the Rhineland-Palatinate authorities, who wanted to attract tourists from all over the world to their remote and abandoned region. The initial bet was that no one else in the world would have such a route. The altitude differences in the hills around Nürburg reached 300 meters, so many turns at the Nürburgring happened to be “closed,” that is impossible to see. The drivers had to fly into the unknown at a speed of 200 km/h. With a route length of 28 km. race on the “Northern loop” turned into a torture for pilots.

After the Nazis came to power, the track acquired ideological significance. Automobile victories of Germany were forged here. Their spearhead was directed against the triumphal march of the Italians. The race of 1935, where Auto Union and Daimler-Benz challenged the Italian Alfa Romeo 8C Tipo B, is still memorable. There were about 200,000 spectators in the stands, including the German top leadership. Hitler couldn’t wait to wash Mussolini down.

Enzo Ferrari himself was present in the Italian team, directing the Alfa Romeo technicians. But the German cars were more powerful. Manfred von Brauchitsch of Daimler-Benz seized the lead and was well ahead of Italian Tazio Nuvolari. But he got a flat tire on the finish line. The Italian Tazio Nuvolari was the first to cross the line in a red Alfa, surrounded by the silence of the audience.

In 1951 the Nurburgring was established as Formula 1. However, the great length of the North Loop interfered with control over the race and did not allow technicians and rescuers to arrive in time to the accident sites. Thus, in 1981, small rings, including the GP-Strecke for Formula 1, appeared at the Nürburgring.

The old track is now used for endurance racing, as well as for tuning and testing the production cars of the big German three. It is believed that if a car can withstand a race at full speed on the old Nürburgring ring, it is no longer afraid of anything.

Track in Bikernieki – Collectivism and perseverance

The iconic track of the USSR is of course the Bikernieki circuit in Riga. The track hosted both domestic analogues of Formula 3, i.e. open-wheel car races, and body car races, such as the Amber Volga, which made Bikernieki famous in the 60s and 70s.

Despite the fact that the USSR government did not attach much importance to motor sports, there were groups of enthusiasts in love with circuit racing. They were grouped around DOSAAF and relied on major enterprises, mainly in the defense industry.

The initiative to create the track came from motorcycle racers Eduard Kiope and Kārlis Ošiņš. Initially, the route was conceived as a motorcycle track. Therefore, a forest near Riga was selected for it, which was supposed to protect racers from sideways gusts of wind. However, in 1962, with support from the Latvian SSR Ministry of Road Transport, the engineers under Peteris Denis decided to design a mixed circuit capable of hosting any level of competition.

The track in Bikernieki was built, as is customary, “with the whole world”. Many works were done collectively and by hand. The racers themselves, students from Riga Polytechnic Institute, members of the Central Automobile Club and even workers from the Ministry of Road Transport and highways, drained the swamp, cut down trees and placed several layers of road surface. Joint work united the motor racing community of the USSR.

Three rings were built in Bikernieki. “The Ring of Excellence, 8 meters wide and 3,580 meters long, was designed for motorcycle racing. It had 12 right turns and 9 left turns. “Speed Ring” was wider by 2 m. and slightly longer ( 3,662 m.). This is where the cars performed. When connecting the two rings there was a third circuit with a length of 5495 m, which was used for motorcycle races.

Already by the autumn of 1965, asphalt was paved on the “Ring of Excellence”, and in July 1966 Bikernieki hosted the first automobile competition “Amber Volga”.

In the same year, Estonian racer Ants Seiler was killed on the last turn of the “Speedway Ring”. This turn was named after him. In 1968, Bikernieki was the venue for the Socialist Countries’ Friendship Cup on the Formula 3 analogues.

In general, the circuit in Bikernieki had good potential for development. In 1984 the circuit underwent serious modernization, as required by the FIA. Concrete bumpers with chain-link fences were installed along the perimeter, emergency braking zones were built around the corners and electronic scoreboards were installed. At the end of the 1980s, Bikernieki Autodrom welcomed guests from Western countries.

From 1966 to 1991 Bikernieki was the venue for 42 stages of USSR autosport championships, both for open-wheel cars and coachbuilders, as well as for 7 stages of the Socialist Countries’ Friendship Cup.

After the collapse of the USSR, the track fell into disrepair and no longer meets safety requirements. In Russia, two other autodromo appeared that have already become legendary, namely Moscow Raceway and the circuit in Sochi. But that is another story.

The post The world’s most famous race tracks appeared first on GoRace.

Did not set the race in the second driver Mercedes – Lewis Hamilton, who missed Mick Schumacher after his own error at the second corner.

Leclerc managed to find the pace by the fifth lap and still nudged Max Verstappen, again coming in less than a second behind the Red Bull driver. And this is where Leclerc’s strategy should begin to take a closer look.

Every manoeuvre he makes makes it clear he is worth betting on in one of the non-GamStop sportsbooks. We also managed to get an expert opinion from sports journalist Dan Roan’s NoUkCasino website. Who also thinks these are important signals that say Leclerc is a key player in the arena today. But let’s keep looking to make sure of that.

Charles beat Verstappen three times in front of the Austrian fans. The Scuderia still have a chance to fight for the title!

Ferrari victory in Austria was the second in a row, but the success of Sainz in Canada, which was only possible thanks to a mistake in the tactics of Leclair, brought Maranello more harm than good.

For Charles, however, the first place in the Red Bull Ring is the first victory after the Australian Grand Prix, which took place exactly four months ago. Although the Monegasque this weekend beat Verstappen only five points, this triumph for the Scuderia is more important than the previous one. He again allows us to hope for a fight for the title.

“The Scuderia” Can Still Do It

The Austrian Grand Prix is traditionally held at the Red Bull Ring circuit – literally the home circuit of the Verstappen team, where the stands are packed to capacity with Max’s fans. And this is where Leclair overtook the reigning champion three times in a head-to-head battle on the track – in the first segment and after the first two pit stops.

Charles acted decisively and at the same time correctly, without provoking the judges. At the same time Verstappen had nothing to oppose – in each case he was much slower and was barely able to fend off the attack.

It’s not the first time the Ferrari car has been faster than the Red Bull, but this is probably the first time in the season that the Italian’s team bridge has made bold and timely decisions (Leclerc’s second and third pit stops), and they’ve ended up working.

Over the past few months, it might have seemed as though Ferrari were pathologically incapable of leading Leclerc to victory – either a broken down car or a miscalculation in tactics. But in Austria there were no such problems, “Scuderia” looked collected and clear – and that means she can still return to the race for the title. Or is the team so good only if they lack hope and pressure?

Mercedes Is Too Far Away From Winning

The German team seem to have sorted out their dolphin problems – from the outside the car seems to be rocking less frequently and strongly, and in the middle of the peloton the Mercedes still holds the lead. However, the pace to compete with the leaders for the win is still lacking.

For example, in the first 10 laps Russell was almost 10 seconds behind Sainz, and Verstappen was behind by more than 12 seconds. And on the 18th already Hamilton, who was fighting in the middle of the peloton after the departure in qualifying, ahead of Max, who was on an early pit stop – that is, in this segment of the Red Bull on the grid rate won by about 20 seconds.

There are no hopes of a fight for the championship, but the progress of the team’s work with the chassis is clear, and if the trend continues, then in the future Mercedes might have a chance to fight for victory in individual races. And let neither Hamilton nor Russell in the fight for the title, they can intervene in a duel between Verstappen and Leclerc.

For now we can add that in the last six races Mercedes racers five times up on the podium – on the background of the problems at the beginning of the season about this stability could only dream.

Another Russell Mistake

For Russell, the second Grand Prix in a row begins with a first lap collision. At Silverstone George sloppily shifted to the side of Gasly and knocked out Zhou over the barriers, and now went wide in turn four and turned around an already outgoing Sergio Perez. Despite the penalty, Russell in the end made his way to fourth place, but the second error in a row ruins what George has achieved at the beginning of the season: through a series of clean and error-free races it came to be considered almost the leader of the Mercedes. And let the intra-team confrontation continue, in the forefront of the gradually returned Hamilton.

Final Word

Although there are now at least 4 worthy contenders in front of the fan’s eye, there are plenty of really strong arguments for Ferrari, led by Leclerc, to take the title this year. Nevertheless, the confrontation is expected to be fascinating. And maybe even present a new, unexpected champion. We have shared our expectations and bets with you though.

The post 3 Reasons to Bet on Leclerc in the Next F1 Race appeared first on GoRace.

We would like to draw your attention at once, that ranking may be subjective. It is formed solely on the basis of personal opinion and knowledge of the author of the article. But nevertheless, there are certain criteria for estimating balids. This list is based on the qualification place, which is taken into account for general analysis, but not as a major criterion. At the same time, the evaluation was done in terms of car speed, manoeuvrability, handling and overall performance for the team.

10. Force India VJM10 (2017) 

The history of Force India (now Racing Point) has its roots in Jordan, Eddie Jordan’s famous private team that regularly competed for podiums and could potentially have swung for the title in 1999. Vijay Malia had acquired the team when it had changed hands a number of times and was hanging around the bottom of the standings. Few would have thought that Mallya would be able to take Force India to the same level as Jordan had once been. But Vijay almost succeeded.

Force India finished the 2016 season in fourth place in the Constructors’ Cup and had already become the best private Formula One team, which in itself is very prestigious. But the following year a new technical regulation came into force – in the championship downforce returned. And then the engineers under the leadership of Andrew Green managed with a minimum budget (and not without problems at first) to build a stable and fast car – VJM10. Thanks to him, “Force India” has collected almost two hundred points, and once again became the best of the private team, ahead of Williams, Renault, McLaren and others.

9. Sauber C31 (2012)

The C31 was Sauber’s (and Alfa Romeo’s) best car of the past decade. It nearly won its second race of the season – the Malaysian Grand Prix. Then Sergio Perez quickly caught up with the leading Ferrari Alonso and was very close to a successful attack, but in the end slipped on the kerb and was forced to retreat. In the course of the race Checo was asked to drive more carefully – some believe that by doing so Sauber, who used Scuderia motors, preferred not to spoil relations with his partner. If so, then now the team from Hinville is unlikely to have the name of “Alfa Romeo” – the Grand Prix, perhaps, was for the team fateful.

After second place in Malaysia Perez made the podium two more times, and at Suzuka Kamui Kobayashi finished third. C31, designed by James Key, was very fast, although at times capricious – on some tracks, it was impossible to set it up. At the same time, the car was not always good in qualifying, but a stable pace on the long series and accurate work with the rubber have brought “Sauber” 126 points and sixth place in the Cup of designers. That season has shown that Hinwil has managed to fully recover from the departure of BMW, but for seven years now the team has been unable to achieve the same results.

8. Renault R31 (2011)

Vitaly Petrov used this car to win the first podium for Russian drivers in Formula One – at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix. Designed by James Ellison (who now builds the champion Mercedes for Hamilton) the car featured a unique “front exhaust” – the gases underneath the bottom of the car created extra downforce. At the second stage of the season – in Malaysia – Nick Heidfeld finished third and brought the team another podium. At the time Enstone was just six points behind Ferrari in the constructors’ cup.

But with the flow of the season it became clear that the chassis does not work very well on slow tracks, and fundamentally improve the car at such an exhaust was impossible. The results gradually decreased, the output in the final segment was becoming less and less. Nevertheless, Lotus-Renault (exactly as it was written in the official application) took fifth place in the Cup of designers, becoming the strongest among the average. This team will become Lotus next year, with Kimi Raikkonen joining them.

7. “Williams FW36 (2014)

Mercedes benefited the most from the switch to turbo-hybrid engines – in the face of stringent aerodynamics restrictions, the powertrain was the key to success. In principle, already one German engine Williams could be enough to get ahead of everyone else and come on the podium. But then the team was not enough – in Austria, Felipe Massa won the pole position (the only case in the season, when “Mercedes” missed out on the pole).

The engineers continued to develop the chassis, and in the second half of the season Williams became almost the fastest car since Mercedes – six podiums for Bottas and three for Massa in the last twelve Grand Prix. For the first time since his partnership with BMW, Grove has been a regular contender for wins. The third place in the Constructors’ Cup was the best in a decade. It seemed then that Williams were about to add a little and return to the top of the podium, but that (so far) hasn’t happened.

6. “Lotus” E20 (2012)

Kimi Raikkonen has returned to Formula One with this car after a break. No one knew in what form the veteran would be, in addition to the new car broke down in the winter testing. But when the reliability problems were solved, Lotus became a regular contender on the podium – Raikkonen and Grozen together nine times finished in the top-3, before the Finn won in Abu Dhabi and said the famous phrase “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing”.

The 2013 season got off to an even better start with Kimi winning the Australian Grand Prix and retaining the championship lead, with Lotus once again struggling for podiums on a regular basis (14 against 11 the year before!). However, Raikkonen’s departure and the 2014 regulations hit Enstone hard – neither as a Lotus nor as a Renault team won any more.

5. “Ferrari” SF70H (2017)

For Maranello, the switch to turbo hybrids proved more of a challenge, with Ferrari losing even more to Mercedes than it had previously lost to Red Bull. In 2017, however, the SF70H changed all that – under the direction of technical director Mattia Binotto, the engineers created a far more efficient car. For the first time in a long time, Ferrari were able to battle relatively evenly with the Silver Arrows.

Yes, a lot went wrong in that season – pilots made mistakes, the car broke down, but overall the team scored a record 522 points for itself. It was the first year when the technical advantage of Mercedes was not evident. And for Mattia Binotto, the success of the SF70H – and the SF71H, its successor – was a springboard to the position of team manager.

4. “McLaren MP4-27 (2012)

The last great McLaren – and the only car that went faster than Red Bull and was even more unreliable. Qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix ended in something of a sensation, with the McLarens taking the entire front row for the first time in three years and the Red Bulls falling behind. Button and Hamilton had secured five podiums in the first three races and moved the team into the championship lead.

Alas, how fast, how capricious was this “McLaren”, and therefore the machine could suddenly become unmanageable and fight for places at the end of the top 10, and at times it was not equal. For example, the McLaren went into the summer break with a win in Hungary, followed it up with three wins, but ended up only third in the Constructors’ Cup.

Martin Whitmarsh, who then led the team, decided that the MP4-27 was the limit of development of the car concept and instructed to develop for the season-2013 entirely new chassis, although in 2014 came into force of the new technical regulations. The decision has not justified itself: Grand Prix of Brazil 2012 is still the last victory of “McLaren” in Formula 1.

3. “Mercedes W08, W09 and W10 (2017-2019)

With the return of advanced aerodynamics in 2017, Mercedes lost some of its edge, but remained a dominant force in Formula One and took its series of double championship wins (individual title + constructors’ cup) to six. Never before in the history of the Grand Prix has there been such dominance.

Uniqueness of the achievement and engineers team highlights the fact that if before the advantage of the team was built on a powerful propulsion system, and in demanding to aerodynamics circuits (Monaco, Singapore) “Mercedes” sometimes inferior, but now the engineers have revised approach and squeeze the maximum out of aerodynamics. The engine is still powerful, but now it’s not the team’s main weapon.

This is the third car James Ellison in our ranking. It will not be an exaggeration, that in this decade, the British engineer has become the new big technical genius after Adrian Newey.

2. “Red Bull RB6, RB7, RB8 and RB9 (2010-2013)

The past decade began with Red Bull’s sensational dominance as the carbonated drinks manufacturer beat the established Formula One grands (McLaren and Ferrari) for four consecutive years! In just a few years, the team assembled by Helmut Marko and Christian Horner from virtually nothing (little remains intact after Ford in Milton Keynes), with a car that reflects the true genius of one of the greatest engineers, has broken into the lists of the best teams in history and now has more regalia than Renault, Brabham, Benetton, Tyrrell or Alfa Romeo.

In the early 2010s Newey managed so balanced and efficient chassis – his main weapon was the rear axle, which generated a monstrous amount of downforce, that the team successfully exploited with minor modifications the same concept. And for four years in a row, no one could beat this car.

1. “Mercedes W05, W06 and W07 (2014-2016)

The dominance that was unparalleled began in 2014 – Mercedes switched to the turbo-hybrid programme before anyone else and proved to be head and shoulders above all others at the right moment. “Red Bull won 53.2% of the races in their dominant years, Ferrari won 67% in their best times (2000-2004) and Mercedes had 86.4% in their first three years of the turbo hybrids. In those three years, the Silver Arrows have had 51 wins (in the next three, only 38).

And it’s symbolic that the base of this team was once laid by Ross Brawn, who saved ex-Honda from collapse and sold the team to the German concern. In the end, the main creators of these victories were Toto Wolf and the late Nicky Lauda, as well as Aldo Costa and Paddy Lowe, who worked on the very first turbo hybrid Mercedes. The car was unrivalled.

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“The Indy 500 was first held in 1908. Then, on May 30, Memorial Day, the command “Gentlemen! Start your engines!” which has been uttered as a motto and homage before every race ever since. In the 500-mile races, competitors must complete 200 laps (500 miles or 804 kilometers). In 1908, race winner Ray Harroun drove a Marmon Model 32 and covered the distance in 6 hours 42 minutes and 8 seconds. One hundred years later, on May 30, 2008, Englishman Dan Weldon in a Dallara / Honda sports car spent 2 hours. 56. minutes and 11 seconds.

The track was originally unpaved, but very quickly it was covered with special red tiles, which earned it the nickname “Old Brickyard” Brickyard. Now the track has a concrete surface, but at the start and at the finish there are fragments of the old “Brickyard,” which is revered. Tradition is important to America. Over the past century, the track has grown. Now it can hold up to 400,000 spectators, making the Indianapolis oval the largest race track in the world.

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