What’s the Grand Prix? What’s the history of the race? And who’s winning this year? Learn all about it in this blog post.
The history
Grand Prix started in France in 1894 as simple car races from own town to the next. The races then became more and more difficult, more innovative and, of course, a lot quicker. Grand Prix then became the formula racing we know today, the most famous being the Formula One World Championships which is still called a Grand Prix, or Grand Prix racing.
The first world championship race was held in Silverstone, United Kingdom, in 1950. Since its conception, there have been 984 World Championship Grands Prix. Unlike in the past, drivers now no longer just race between French towns, but travel across the world to 21 different cities to take part in a race. This year the race started in Melbourne, Australia on 25th March and will end in Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi on 25th November.
The drivers
The fastest racing cars in the world are Formula 1 cars. To drive them participants must hold a valid Super Licence, the highest class of racing licence.
One of the most famous Grand Prix locations is possibly Monaco. This race is the only one laid on out on public roads. Even though, the Monaco Grand Prix does not reach the safety requirements of the other races, the glamour and history has prevented it from being shut down. Three-time World champion Nelson Piquet famously described racing in Monaco as ‘like riding a bicycle around your living room.’
On Sunday 24th June, Lewis Hamilton won the eight race at the French Grand Prix. Which puts him on the road to winning the overall championship alongside German racer Sebastian Vettel. On Sunday 1st July, it will be the Austrian Grand Prix, with the whole championship finishing in Abu Dhabi in November.
Follow the results here.
Written by Florianne H.