This is the lexicon of Formula 1. It's the complete vocabulary of F1 terms and phrases.
Technical Terms
Aérodynamique
The science of how air flows around the car.
Chassis
The main structure of the car.
Appui aérodynamique
The force that pushes the car down.
Traînée
The resistance that slows the car down.
Engine
The Groupe motopropulseur that propels the car.
Gearbox
The transmission that changes gears.
Suspension
The system that connects wheels to the car.
Turbocompresseur
A device that increases engine power.
Racing Terms
Apex
The innermost point of a corner.
Braking Zone
The area where drivers brake for a corner.
Chicane
A tight sequence of corners.
Corner
A bend in the track.
DRS Zone
An area where DRS can be used.
Grille de départ
The starting positions.
Pit Lane
The area for car service.
Pit Stop
A stop for tires or repairs.
Ligne droite
A Ligne droite section of track.
Strategic Terms
Compound
The tire rubber mixture.
Fuel Load
The amount of fuel.
Gap
The time between cars.
Lap
One circuit of the track.
Lap Time
The time for one lap.
Pit Window
The optimal time for a Arrêt aux stands.
Strategy
The course plan.
Tire Life
How long tires last.
Safety Terms
Flag
A signal to drivers.
Green Flag
Track is clear.
Red Flag
course is stopped.
Yellow Flag
Caution, slow down.
Safety Car
A car that leads the field.
Virtual Safety Car
A period of reduced speed.
Medical Car
A car with medical personnel.
Halo
A head protection device.
Team Terms
pilote
The person who drives the car.
Engineer
The person who sets up the car.
Mechanic
The person who works on the car.
Stratège
The person who plans the course.
Team Principal
The leader of the équipe.
Pit Crew
The équipe in the pit lane.
Team Radio
Communication between pilote and équipe.
Performance Terms
Balance
The distribution of forces.
Grip
The traction of the tires.
Speed
How fast the car goes.
Acceleration
How quickly the car speeds up.
Braking
How quickly the car slows down.
Cornering
How well the car turns.
Top Speed
The maximum speed.
Lap Time
The time for one lap.
Aérodynamique Terms
Airflow
The movement of air around the car.
Appui aérodynamique
The force that pushes the car down.
Traînée
The resistance that slows the car.
Ground Effect
Forces from the floor.
Slipstream
The area behind a car.
Turbulence
Disturbed air.
Vortex
A spinning air mass.
Wing
An Aérodynamique device.
Tire Terms
Compound
The rubber mixture.
Degradation
The loss of performance.
Graining
When tires become grainy.
Blistering
When tires overheat.
Flat Spot
A worn area on the tire.
Tire Pressure
The air pressure in the tire.
Tire Temperature
The temperature of the tire.
Tire Wear
The loss of tire rubber.
Engine Terms
Combustion
The burning of fuel.
Cylinder
A part of the engine.
Exhaust
The gases from the engine.
Horsepower
The power of the engine.
Revolutions
The speed of the engine.
Throttle
The accelerator pedal.
Turbocompresseur
A device that increases power.
Hybrid
A combination of engine and electric power.
Electronic Terms
ECU
The engine control unit.
Telemetry
Data transmission.
Sensor
A device that measures data.
Software
The programs that run the car.
Data
Information from the car.
Dashboard
The pilote's display.
Radio
Communication system.
Battery
The energy store.
Track Terms
circuit
The racing track.
Corner
A bend in the track.
Chicane
A tight sequence of corners.
Ligne droite
A Ligne droite section.
Kerb
The edge of the track.
Run-Off
The area beyond the track.
Barrier
The safety wall.
Pit Lane
The area for car service.
Flag Terms
Green Flag
Track is clear.
Yellow Flag
Caution, slow down.
Red Flag
course is stopped.
Blue Flag
Move over for faster car.
Black Flag
Disqualified from the course.
Chequered Flag
course is finished.
White Flag
Slow car on track.
Yellow and Red Striped Flag
Slippery surface.
Penalty Terms
Drive-Through Penalty
Drive through pit lane.
Stop-Go Penalty
Stop in pit lane for time.
Grille de départ Penalty
Move back on starting Grille de départ.
Time Penalty
Time added after course.
Warning
A warning from stewards.
Disqualification
Removed from course.
Reprimand
A formal warning.
Championship Terms
Drivers' Championship
The championnat for drivers.
Constructors' Championship
The championnat for teams.
Points
The scoring system.
Podium
The top three finishers.
Winner
The first-place finisher.
Champion
The championnat winner.
saison
A year of racing.
Grand Prix
A course event.
Historical Terms
Classic
An old course or car.
Legend
A famous pilote or équipe.
Era
A period of F1 history.
réglementation
The rules of F1.
innovation
A new development.
Tradition
A long-standing custom.
Heritage
The history of the sport.
Legacy
The lasting impact.
Fan Terms
Tifosi
Ferrari fans.
Fan Zone
An area for fans.
Grandstand
Seating for fans.
Paddock
The area behind the pits.
Pit Walk
A tour of the pit lane.
Autograph
A pilote's signature.
Merchandise
équipe products.
Memorabilia
Collectible items.
Media Terms
Commentary
The description of the course.
Interview
A conversation with drivers.
Press Conference
A media event.
Report
A written account.
Analysis
A detailed examination.
Preview
A look ahead to a course.
Review
A look back at a course.
Highlight
A memorable moment.
Weather Terms
Dry
No rain.
Pluie
Rainy conditions.
Damp
Slightly Pluie.
Mixed
Changing conditions.
Temperature
The heat or cold.
Wind
Moving air.
Humidity
The moisture in the air.
Forecast
The predicted weather.
Strategy Terms
Undercut
Pitting early to gain position.
Overcut
Pitting late to gain position.
Offset
A different strategy.
Conservative
A safe strategy.
Aggressive
A risky strategy.
Optimal
The best strategy.
Adapt
Changing the strategy.
React
Responding to others.
Communication Terms
Radio
Communication system.
Message
A communication.
Instruction
A direction.
Feedback
Information from pilote.
Update
New information.
Warning
A caution.
Confirmation
An acknowledgment.
Question
A query.
Data Terms
Telemetry
Data from the car.
Lap Time
The time for one lap.
Sector Time
The time for a sector.
Speed Trap
A speed measurement.
Gap
The time between cars.
Delta
The difference in time.
Comparison
Analyzing data.
Trend
A pattern in data.
Related Reading: