Media Day
Most race weekends begin on Thursday with press conferences and media obligations. Drivers face the cameras, answer questions, and do sponsor duties. The public rarely sees this part but it is a big part of the F1 circus. Team principals also hold press conferences.
Practice Sessions (FP1 & FP2)
Two 60-minute free practice sessions. Teams use these to set up the car for the specific circuit — adjusting aerodynamics, suspension, brake balance. Drivers learn the track, test different tyre compounds, and collect data for engineers.
FP1 is often used to test new car parts or give rookie drivers track time (teams are required to run a young driver in at least 2 FP1 sessions per season). FP2 is more representative of race pace.
FP3 + Qualifying
A final 60-minute practice (FP3) in the morning, then Qualifying in the afternoon — the most exciting session of the weekend for many fans. Qualifying is split into three knockout rounds: Q1 (all 20 drivers, 18 minutes — bottom 5 eliminated), Q2 (15 drivers, 15 minutes — bottom 5 eliminated), Q3 (top 10 drivers, 12 minutes — fight for pole position).
The fastest lap in Q3 wins pole position — starting first on the grid on Sunday. Track position in F1 is crucial, so qualifying is high-stakes drama.
Race Day
The Grand Prix itself. Races cover approximately 305km (190 miles) — the minimum distance required — except Monaco at 260km. Most races last between 90 minutes and 2 hours. Drivers must use at least two different tyre compounds during the race, which drives the pit stop strategy battles that make F1 so compelling.
Pole position matters enormously. Starting first, you control your own race. But in 2026 with the new cars and new rules, the races are more unpredictable than ever — we've already seen the pole sitter lose the race multiple times.
La pole position est très importante. En partant premier, vous contrôlez votre propre course. Mais en 2026 avec les nouvelles voitures et règles, les courses sont plus imprévisibles que jamais.
Qualifying is my favourite session. One lap, everything on the line. The gap between P1 and P10 in Q3 is often less than half a second across a 5km lap. That's insane. That's why these drivers are the best in the world.
Les qualifications sont ma session préférée. Un tour, tout en jeu. L'écart entre la P1 et la P10 en Q3 est souvent inférieur à une demi-seconde sur un tour de 5km. C'est dingue. C'est pour ça que ces pilotes sont les meilleurs au monde.