Formula 1 is a highly competitive sport, and it takes a lot of talent and a lot of effort to have any hope of success. As much as it may seem like a dream job, becoming a professional driver requires years of experience and a large financial investment before starting to climb the various categories and reach Formula 1. By knowing the steps necessary to become a Formula 1 driver you will be able to evaluate the risks and benefits and decide if it's the right sport for you.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Learn to Drive
Step 1. Sign up for a driving course
This is the easiest way to find out if Formula 1 is right for you, and it is the ideal path for drivers who are no longer very young who want to try to approach the sport. You will be able to start holding the steering wheel of racing cars, including Formula 1 cars, and learn the basics. The cost of these lessons can be quite high, but it's still the cheapest way to get closer to the world of auto racing before deciding whether to invest larger sums.
- If you have a B license you can start with various types of cars, while if you are a minor you will have to start with karts and you will need the consent of your parents.
- To take driving lessons you will need to be able to drive manual transmission cars.
Step 2. Sign up for a pilot program
These programs consist of one or two weeks of advanced lessons that allow you to hone your racing car driving skills. If your goal is to compete in Formula 1, it will be preferable to choose a school approved by the organization that governs the sport.
Step 3. Get a license
After fulfilling the requirements, you will get a license that will allow you to compete in auto racing events.
Step 4. Sign up for a series of races
The licenses you can initially get are for minor categories, they do not give you access to Formula 1 races. However, minor category races are a great way to show off and get noticed. Some driving schools hold events, and may even put a car at your disposal. By running, you can receive funding or qualifying points to get a license to the next level.
Method 2 of 4: Tackle and Climb Categories
Step 1. Try kart racing
This is the best way to initiate young people into Formula 1. Most of the great Formula 1 drivers started with karts. Buying a kart can be expensive, so initially you can just visit a kart track and try them out.
Step 2. Get a kart license
Some organizations issue a license to any beginner who requests it, making it possible to participate in low category competitions. To participate in races of higher categories you will have to apply for licenses of increasingly higher level, to obtain which you may need to undergo an exam at an accredited school or demonstrate your skills in the races of the category in which you are.
Step 3. Buy a kart
To compete regularly you need a kart. The vehicles change according to the different racing categories, so you will probably need to buy or rent many different karts before moving on to racing cars.
Step 4. Take part in the races
Achieving excellent race placements is essential for your racing career to advance rapidly. The better your performances will be, the sooner you will enter the higher categories. If you intend to get to Formula 1 you have to do as many races as possible and always try to climb the categories.
Method 3 of 4: Obtain the Formula 1 License
Step 1. Compete for two years in junior single-seater categories
Formula 1 requires drivers to have a lot of experience driving similar cars. On the way to Formula 1 you can go through various different racing categories, but all drivers must go through one or more junior series (for formulas that are also called "training" or "development") before getting there.
Step 2. Turn 18
All Formula 1 drivers must be at least 18 years old to be licensed. Sometimes younger drivers are good enough to compete in Formula 1, but they will have to wait until they reach the right age. If you are still too young, while you wait, gain more experience in training formulas and increase your running points.
Step 3. Accumulate 40 race points
These points are awarded based on performance and placements in lower category races. To be considered for a Formula 1 license you need to earn 40 points over a 3 year period.
Step 4. Accumulate 300 hours in a Formula 1 single-seater
As an additional requirement to obtain the license you must have experience driving real Formula 1 cars. You can accumulate hours by doing training laps or tests for the teams.
Method 4 of 4: Competing in Formula 1
Step 1. Accept the offer of a team
If you have demonstrated your skills as an amateur and in development formulas, a team may choose to hire you as a driver. The stables are often owned by car manufacturers, and have sponsors to cover the costs. They usually hire pilots with annual contracts.
Step 2. Find sponsors
The majority of Formula 1 drivers have sponsors for which they carry out activities outside the track. To attract sponsors you will need to be successful on the track and be appreciated by the public. On behalf of the sponsors you may have to do some extras or photo shoots. Motoring is a very expensive sport and drivers always try to round up when possible.
Step 3. Pay yourself to compete in Formula 1
Paid drivers, or pay drivers, are common in many levels of motoring, even in Formula 1. Instead of being paid by the team, this type of driver uses the money he receives from sponsors or his own personal fortune to finance the activities of the team. team and compete. While this is not possible for many new drivers entering Formula 1, if you have the means it is a good option.
Advice
Developing an affable personality can be very beneficial to your career, and can help you find sponsors and financial support
Warnings
- Motoring is a very expensive sport. Be prepared to face big expenses if you want to make it to Formula 1.
-
Motor racing always carries risks due to potential accidents. Think carefully about the dangers inherent in this career before embarking on it.
