Racing terminology used in this chapter

Drag Reduction System, aka DRS, allows a driver to open the spoiler wings. This may only be done under certain circumstances and in designated locations on the track. 

Apex - the closest point to the inside radius of a turn as a car negotiates a corner or curve. 

Curbs are raised strips of pavement along the inside and outside of corners and curves. They are often brightly painted and can be smooth, rough, low or high. 

"S" Turn, is usually a combination of two turns, right then left or left then right. 

The Line, aka Ideal Line or Racing Line is the fastest path around a track. 

Team Principal is the highest authority on a Formula 1 team, overseeing the racing program, racecar building and staffing – including drivers. 

Braking points are references such as signs or markings on or near the track where/when the driver begins braking for the next curve or corner. 

Sector, for analysis purposes Formula 1 racetracks are divided into three sections known as sectors 1, 2 and 3. 

Lock ups, braking too hard causes the tires to lose traction or skid. 

DNF is short for ‘did not finish’ the race, usually due to a crash or mechanical failure. 

Points are awarded to cars and drivers that finish in the top ten of each race. 

"Box" is terminology used to call the car into the pit area for tires, fuel or repairs. 

Chicane is a  combination of two tight corners, one left/one right or vice versa in rapid succession, similar to an ‘S’ turn but tighter and sharper.  

Trail Braking is braking firmly to start then gradually trailing off the pressure, rather than full on/ full off. 

Paddock is a specialized area at a racetrack where teams setup their operations during the race weekend. 

The Race Engineer analyzes data to optimize car and driver performance. They are the main communication bridge between the team and driver during a race. 

Super License, formula one drivers require both a regular Driver’s license and Super license – earned both by racing and taking specialized tests. 

Woking, a London suburb where the McLaren F1 factory is located. 

A Flying Lap is driving with no holding back. Doing a loop of the circuit as fast as possible. 

Control Wall, each team has a bank of electronic devices located near the track, where they can monitor the functions of both of their cars and drivers. 

P1, P2, etc. is the position of the car on the track or starting grid. 

Purple = fastest time of all cars in the race, Green = personal best time, Yellow = not your best time 

Constructor's Championship, also called the Team Championship. The points of both team drivers are combined to determine who built the best car that season. 

Slipstream, also known as drafting is driving tight behind another car resulting in less drag. 

The Midfield in Formula racing refers to the teams that are in fourth to eighth place in the standings. 

Q1, Q2, Q3 are qualifying sessions to determine the starting positions during the race. 

Intermediate Wet tires are used during light rain or damp track conditions. They are commonly called ‘inters’. 

Full Wet tires, called ‘full wets’ or ‘FWs’ are used during heavy rain fall and when there is water pooling on the track. 

"Push, push!" An instruction to the driver to go faster. 

Race-pace refers to how fast a car is under full racing conditions, rather than just speed. 

Pole Position refers to the car that qualifies fastest and begins the race in P1.

FP1, FP2, FP3 refer to the three practice sessions that allow a driver to get used to the track prior to qualifying.

Sprint Race. Usually, at two or three races each season, there is a short race (15 to 25 laps) held in lieu of FP2 and FP3.