Rookie F1

G-force

A physical force that is equal to one unit of gravity; it is then multiplied during rapid changes in direction of velocity. Drivers are subjected to huge G-forces as they brake, accelerate and corner. But they do specific training to combat this, focusing on core strength and neck muscles.

Graining

When the car moves across the track, or slides, it causes tiny pieces of rubber (grains) to fall away from the tyre. They consequently sticks to the tread of the tyre, essentially lifting the tyre off of the track surface. Even this tiny separation (and I mean tiny) makes the car feel like you’re driving on ball bearings. If a driver is careful they can eliminate this within a couple of laps, but of course this will slow them down, but the aim is to make it more efficient than pitting. See also: Tyres, Compound, Flat Spot and Blistering.

This is what graining looks like

Grand Slam

To claim this the driver must qualify in pole position, lead the entire race from start to finish, and then sets the fastest lap time.

Gravel Trap

Designed to bring cars that leave the track to a controlled stop as it quickly absorbs the energy in the tyres. Hit this and chances are you’re not rejoining the race. Not massively common now as tracks seem to favour tarmac or grass.

Hairpin

A very slow and tight corner, the bend usually being more than 100°.

Installation Lap

This is common during the practice sessions to test out brakes, steering and general set-up. It also gives the teams a chance to figure out the conditions of the track and prepare for longer runs.

Intermediate Tire

This tire sits inbetween wet weather tires and options; it has more groves and has visible tread compared to the dry weather (options), but less than the full wets. Often call ‘inters’ by the teams.

Jump Start

There are sensors that ensure no driver leaves his start position before the lights go out. A penalty will be awarded if they do.

KERS

A controversial system that’s legal from 2009 onwards (banned in 2010 by mutual decision, but back in 2011), KERS stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems. It recovers wasted kinetic energy from the car as it brakes, then stores it to be available later to propel the car. The driver then controls this additional power for a limited period on a lap, they can access this via a ‘boost button’ on their steering wheel.

Kersing

Verb, ‘to use KERS’. For example: “I was kersing like mad on the back straight.”