F1 Glossary
20 essential terms every Formula 1 fan should know — stylish, clear, and perfect for newcomers.
F1 Glossary: 20 Terms Every Fan Should Know
Formula 1 has its own language that can be intimidating for new fans. We've compiled this Throttle & Thread-approved glossary to help you understand the sport's terminology and sound like a pro when watching races or discussing F1 with friends.
Apex
The tightest point of a corner — hitting it perfectly = peak performance.
Box
The command for a driver to pit. Heard on the radio as: "Box, box!"
DRS
Drag Reduction System — opens a flap on the rear wing to help overtake.
Undercut
A strategy where a driver pits early to gain an advantage with fresher tires.
Overcut
Pitting later than your rival in hopes of gaining time on worn tires.
ERS
Energy Recovery System — stores and reuses electric energy for extra power.
Paddock
The behind-the-scenes hub — team garages, media, and elite guests only.
Pole Position
The first spot on the starting grid, earned by the fastest qualifier.
DNF
Did Not Finish — when a driver retires or crashes out.
Safety Car
Slows down the race after an incident to keep everyone safe.
Virtual Safety Car (VSC)
Slows all cars to the same speed virtually, without deploying the actual safety car.
Chicane
A quick left-right or right-left sequence of corners — super technical.
Slipstream
The air pocket behind a car that reduces drag — use it to go faster and pass.
Pit Stop
Where cars stop for new tires, repairs, or penalties — timing is everything.
Telemetry
Live data sent from the car to engineers — tire temps, speed, fuel levels, etc.
Lights Out
Refers to the race start — when the red lights go out, the race is on.
Push Lap
A full-speed qualifying lap — all-in, no holding back.
Formation Lap
The warm-up lap before the race — gets tires hot and nerves hotter.
Out Lap / In Lap
The lap leaving or returning to the pits — often slower, more strategic.
Constructor
The team behind the car (e.g., Ferrari, Red Bull) — wins the Constructors' Championship.
Did You Know?
The term "Box" comes from the German word "boxenstopp" (pit stop). German engineers at Mercedes originally used it, and it caught on throughout F1.
Quick Tip
Listen for "Box, box" on team radio during races — it's the signal for drivers to come in for a pit stop!
Test Your Knowledge
Think you've mastered these terms? Take our F1 terminology quiz to test your knowledge and see if you're ready for race day!
Continue Your F1 Journey
Race Weekend
Dive deeper into the structure and excitement of a Formula 1 race weekend.
Explore Race Weekend
Strategy
Understand the strategic elements that can make or break a race.
Learn About Strategy
Teams & Drivers
Get to know the personalities and teams that make up the Formula 1 grid.
Explore Teams & Drivers