Formula 1 drivers live in an extremely competitive sport that requires a lot of talent and dedication to sanctify success. While it sounds like a dream job, it takes years of experience and a lot of money to become a professional driver and climb the ladder to Category. Knowing the steps needed to get there, weigh the risks and benefits to decide if Formula 1 is your place.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Learning to drive
Step 1. Take a class at a piloting school
This is the fastest way to know if Formula 1 is right for you, ideal for older runners who are newcomers to this sport. You will get into a Formula 1 car and learn some of the basics of driving. You'll probably have to pay to take these classes for a few hours, but it's a much cheaper way to learn to drive a Formula 1 before you decide to make a big financial investment.
- You will need a regular driver's license to take the classes. If you are a minor, you will need your parent's permission.
- You will also have to know how to drive cars with manual transmission to take driving lessons.
Step 2. Enroll in a flying course
These courses will have about one to two weeks of advanced classes aimed at improving your running skills. The desire is to race in Formula 1, isn't it? Lift your head and go to a school that is accredited by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile).
Step 3. Get your pilot's license
After completing the necessary courses, your school will send you a letter of recommendation for an automobile category. This letter will entitle you to register and compete in a race at the driving school.
Step 4. Participate in races at amateur schools
These races are a great opportunity to show your skills and attract sponsors. Some of these schools have their own races and will provide a car for you to run. You can also get a scholarship and race points to get your next license.
Part 2 of 4: Climbing Categories
Step 1. Try the kart
It is the easiest way for young drivers to enter F1. Most great Formula 1 drivers started out in kart. This type of car is expensive, so it may be more advantageous to go to a kart track in your region and test it out.
Step 2. Get a kart license
Some organizations will give a license to any beginner so they can participate in lower level races and learn about the sport. If your interest is in more serious racing, keep getting higher level licenses. You may need to pass tests at an accredited school or show running competence at your current level to move up in the category.
Step 3. Buy your kart
You will need a kart to compete in the races. Each racing level has its car type and you will probably need to buy or rent several karts before moving up.
Step 4. Participate in a race
Good placements in the races can guarantee you a quick advancement in your career. The better you run, the sooner you move up. The point is: you have to run as hard as you can and try to move up to the next category if you want to make it to Formula 1.
Part 3 of 4: Getting your Formula 1 license
Step 1. Run for two seasons on a single seat in the Access categories
Formula 1 requires drivers to have a lot of experience in cars similar to those in the category. Even though there are several categories that can take you to Formula 1, all drivers must race in one or two access categories to reach Formula 1.
Step 2. Expect to be 18 years old
This is the minimum age to get a license in Formula 1. Even though some younger drivers have shown the talent to join Formula 1, they cannot race because they are not of the minimum age. In this sense, keep racing in any access category to gain more experience and race points.
Step 3. Accumulate 40 race points
These points are earned based on the pilot's performance and placement in the access category. Get 40 points in up to 3 years to get your Formula 1 license.
Step 4. Accumulate 300 hours of running in a Formula 1 car
You need to drive the car well to keep your license. These 300 hours can be recorded in practice laps or in test drives made for car manufacturers.
Part 4 of 4: Racing in Formula 1
Step 1. Accept an offer to be a Formula 1 team driver
A good performance as an amateur can attract an owner of an F1 team, who can offer you a driver's seat. These teams often belong to car companies, which have their own sponsors covering the costs. They usually hire drivers analyzing season by season.
Step 2. Get Sponsors
The vast majority of Formula 1 drivers have sponsors who require additional off-track work. Do well in the races, be well accepted by the public and you will attract sponsors. These may require you to appear in advertisements or take photos, in addition to requiring you to play your part within the track. Racing in Formula 1 is very expensive, so drivers should seek sponsorship whenever possible to make money.
Step 3. Pay to be a F1 driver
It is very common in various levels of motorsport the presence of drivers who pay to drive, including in Formula 1. Instead of being paid to race, the driver buys his seat using money from sponsors or his own money. Despite being a disadvantage for most new drivers entering Formula 1, it turns out to be an option if you can afford your seat.
Tips
In this environment, be an educated person, as this behavior will be a big step in your career, helping you to find sponsors and their financial support
Notices
- Life in motorsport is very expensive. Be prepared to spend a lot of money if you plan to make it to Formula 1.
- Races are always accompanied by collisions, which can hurt. So, before investing in this career, think carefully about the dangers that surround it.
