When most people think of Formula 1, they probably just picture extremely fast cars zipping down the track across the finish line. They probably focus on who is winning rather than the strategy and complications involved when it comes to securing P1. But it is those minor setbacks and quick thinking that secure first place, not so much the speed. It’s the strategy.

Teams aren’t just racing anymore. They are planning and deciphering the secrets of F1 racing. Teams are exploring driving styles, whether they think having their two drivers work together (McClaren is a good example of this) or separately in order to secure the overall team victory (Mercedes does this). They strategize what tires they will use, how to maneuver turns, when to accelerate and decelerate, and overall what combination of all of these factors will get them a victory or at least on the podium at the end of the day. It’s all a game and an incredibly complex system drunk with strategizing. It can be confusing to many, and most people are oblivious to the complexity of F1 strategy racing.

Aron Khakimianov ‘27 admittedly is not a fan and knows very little about Formula 1 overall, but he answers some interview questions below about F1. For someone being confronted with something he has very little exposure to, Khakimianov is open and thoughtful as he attempts to answer some questions about the complexity of F1! In contrast, Tomas Villaveces ‘27, a F1 fanatic and well-versed Oracle Red Bull Racing fan, answers these same questions. What do you think Formula 1 is mainly about: speed, driving skill, or the car? Khakimianov answers first, then below, Villaveces answers.

The questions are:

• What do you think Formula 1 is mainly about: speed, driving skill, or the car?

Khakimianov: “I think it’s mostly about the car because that’s what makes them get to really high speeds and win the race.”

Villaveces: “I think F1 is mainly proven through racing. Look at Max Verstappen, for example, able to compete against top teams in a tractor of a car, or even move up multiple places in the rain without mistake, or Hulkenberg and his first podium in a Sauber of all cars. The car and team are definitely a huge factor and assist to a driver, but ultimately it’s what the driver does with what he’s given.”

• Do you think the fastest driver always wins a race? Why?

Khakimianov: “Of course, because if you are the fastest and you can stay in front, you will win.”

Villaveces: “Not always. There are mishaps and unpredictable events that take place, but oftentimes the fastest star racers are the ones leading the race or fighting for P1. So, yes, most times one of the fastest racers wins the race, but also there is not really a good way to determine who is the fastest. I’d say yes, but with conditions.”

• How many people do you think are involved in a single F1 team during a race weekend?

Khakimianov: “I think there are around 6 people involved with an F1 team during a race weekend,” Khakimianov answers, slightly unsure but still eager to participate.

Villaveces: “How many people in a team I’m not sure… Maybe 30? I’m not sure, honestly. The drivers, pit team, engineers, directors, sponsors, there’s lots of them.”

Correct Answer: There are around 60-80 people involved in a single F1 team during a race weekend.

• What do you think happens if it starts raining during a race?

Khakimianov: “I think that they will put umbrellas to cover the cars,” Khakimianov says jokingly. He’s not sure what actually happens.

Villaveces: “Races can change depending on weather. Normally, when it rains, you just put inters or wets on the car and go, but if it’s bad enough, the race may be canceled. Nicki Lauda’s famous crash is proof that sometimes stopping a race is the right decision when it comes to safety, but it’s been a long time since rain canceled a race.”

• Do you think the two drivers on a team try to compete against each other or work as a team?

Khakimianov: “I think they will still try to compete with each other because if one of them is the fastest, the team is also winning.”

Villaveces: “Two drivers are a mix of teamwork and competition. There are two awards, the driver’s championship and the constructors’ championship. If a driver aims for a driver’s championship, they’ll be more competitive and push harder for a victory. But teams have rules; if two drivers crash, it is devastating for the team. Take Nico Rosberg vs Lewis Hamilton in Barcelona. That crash between the two is still famous to this day, and teams will punish you for making such brutal mistakes, so of course there’s more caution, but there’s also more competition.”

Aron and Tomas are both correct! And it brings up a good point that there’s a difference between a team win and an individual driver win. The drivers want their team to win and themselves, and the best way to do that is to prioritize their driving even above the team members. Although they do still help one another and support each other throughout the race if they can.

• If a driver is leading the race, do you think they’re guaranteed to win? Why or why not?

“Maybe they can, but it depends on the driver,” Khakimianov answers thoughtfully.

“If a driver is leading a race, their chances of winning are honestly dependent on the whole field. If the leader is 30 seconds ahead, it’s likely that they’ll win, but it’s not promised; sometimes a driver can catch up. Or maybe you’re only .5 seconds ahead, which puts you in range for an overtake by divebomb or other tactics. Also, considering drivers have different cars, if a better driver and car are behind the leader, it’s unlikely he’ll hold the position. There are also chances of the leader spinning out or locking up. It’s never certain that a leader can hold his place in the standing,” Villaveces laments.

This interview shows the level of knowledge that an outsider to F1 has just based on hearsay and minimal online exposure versus an F1 fan who is very exposed to the inner workings of Formula 1. This brought perspective to the sport, highlighting just how much of the sport exists beyond what is shown on the screen during a race. While many people naturally focus on speed and the cars themselves, Formula 1 is equally shaped by split-second decisions, teamwork, and strategy that often go unnoticed unless you are actively following the sport.

In the end, it becomes clear that F1 is not just about being the fastest on track, but about making the right choices at the right time under extreme pressure. Speed may start the race, but strategy is often what decides how it finishes.