Formula 2 "much harder physically" than Formula 1 - McLaren's Norris (2024)

FAQs

Are F2 cars harder to drive? ›

Although F2 cars lack power steering, making them harder to drive in some ways, the increased speed of F1 cars requires a shift in training. Drivers need to increase their stamina to last up to two hours in the car; F2 races are no longer than 60 minutes.

Formula 2. F2 cars tend to lap at around 10 to 15 seconds slower than F1 cars. Taking the 2023 Spanish GP as an example, Verstappen secured the F1 pole with a time of 1m12.272s while Oliver Bearman set a benchmark of 1m23.546s in F2.

Lando Norris says he had celebration on his mind before the chequered flag in the Miami Grand Prix. The McLaren driver won his first ever race in Formula 1, on his 110th attempt, beating reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

The engines in F1 cars are much more powerful than their F2 counterparts. F1 engines have about 1,000 horsepower, while F2 cars max out at around 620hp. This allows F1 cars to go about 10-15 mph faster on average. The top race speed for an F1 car is over 230mph, while the top speed for a F2 car is less than 200mph.

The main race of the weekend comes on Sunday, this will either run to a distance of 170km, or 60 minutes, whichever comes first as per the above mentioned expectations. This race includes a mandatory pit-stop that all drivers have to make over the course of the race (unless the race is deemed wet).

Unlike other motorsport series, after winning the title, a driver cannot return to F2 for any more seasons. This further restricts their ability to compete at the highest levels of racing, if they aren't given a crack at F1.

Ten rounds in 9 countries make up the F3 campaign. Every round takes place on an F1 weekend, and each round has two races – the Sprint Race and the Feature Race – meaning there are 20 Formula 3 races a season.

Although there are several sponsorships and scholarship schemes available to help young drivers with talent, the vast majority of drivers who make it to Formula One come from well-off families.

Driving rules are more complicated in F1, drivers are required to keep track of a lot more track based information then drivers in NASCAR. NASCAR cars are a lot simpler to drive, they are less technically complex, NASCAR has fewer rules and a different form of driver etiquette.

What is the most physically demanding F1 race? ›

More on the Singapore Grand Prix

The 5.063km Marina Bay Circuit is one of the most physically demanding on the calendar, its bumpy street surface coupled with humid conditions giving the drivers plenty to think about.

Norris Snr is a regular fixture at races but watched on Sunday from his Glastonbury home. They spoke on the phone within minutes of Norris securing victory. With a personal fortune estimated at £205 million, Norris encourages his son to dream as big as he still does.

Victoria Jane Verstappen

Max Verstappen / Sister

In F2, all the cars are the same, from the chassis (built by Italian race car manufacturer Dallara) to the gearbox (built by English manufacturer Hewland). This is to showcase the true skill set of the drivers behind the wheel rather than the abilities of the racing teams to build superior cars.

The car has a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) meaning that it is the fastest single seater racing car behind Formula One and IndyCar Series.

F2 cars can reach top speeds of up to 200mph and their banning from roads makes complete sense. iDNES reports the same car was spotted on the D4 highway between Pribram and Dobris. Police asked for members of the public to help track down the alleged driver as he was under suspicion of violating traffic laws.

Unlike other motorsport series, after winning the title, a driver cannot return to F2 for any more seasons.