Formula 1 is an extremely competitive sport where drivers push their cars to the limit to become the fastest on the circuit. However, in some cases, a driver, or car simply is not fast enough to be on track with the rest of the competitors, which is why there is a 107% rule in F1.
The 107% rule in F1 states that a car must lap within 107% of the fastest lap time set in Q1. This is to ensure that the slower cars are fast enough to compete in the race and will not pose a danger to the other cars on track. Cars that fail to do this will not be allowed to race in the Grand Prix.
However, there are some exceptions to the 107% rule. Below, we discuss the 107% rule in more detail, and go through all of the possible exceptions to the rule and why they are important. But first, let’s consider what F1’s 107% rule actually is.
Table of Contents
What Is The 107% Rule In F1?
The 107% rule in F1 is a rule put in place to ensure that a car or driver is not too slow to compete in the Grand Prix. If a driver is too slow during the race they will pose a danger to the other cars on the track, as well as to themselves, and the 107% rule minimizes this risk.
A driver who is too slow will be lapped too often, meaning that they will be getting in the way of the faster cars, potentially causing incidents along the way. The rule was mainly implemented for safety reasons.
The rule is based on qualifying, specifically Q1. The slowest car needs to set a lap time that is within 107% of the fastest time of the session. If they fail to do so, they will not be allowed to race in the Grand Prix the following day. Below is a simple calculation to show you how the 107% rule works in a practical sense.
107% Rule Example
Let’s say the fastest time of the Q1 session is 1 minute and 40 seconds (100 seconds). All other cars need to set a faster lap time than 1 minute and 47 seconds (107 seconds) if they want to start the race, as this is 107% of the fastest lap time that was set (100 seconds).
RELATED ARTICLE The 10 Best F1 Races Of All Time (Plus Lists By Decade)
Exceptions To The 107% Rule
There are some exceptions to the 107% rule and it’s not always black and white in terms of a car or driver not starting the race for being too slow. If the team can prove that their car and driver are fast enough to race, an exception may be made for them by the FIA.
The team has to provide evidence in order to prove that they will not be too slow during the race. They can do this by showing the stewards their pace during the three free practice sessions held on Friday and Saturday, of course if their driver was fast enough.
The team can also use evidence of a faulty car causing a slower pace (or indeed a crash in Q1). This can be a mechanical failure or something simpler such as a slow puncture on the tires. If it’s not the driver’s fault, and the car was suffering a loss in performance in that session alone, the driver will usually be allowed to start the race.
RELATED ARTICLE How F1 Qualifying Works – The Ultimate Guide
History Of The 107% Rule In F1
The 107% rule was first introduced in the 1996 season. During this time there was a huge gap in terms of the performance of the cars, and the front runners were often well clear of the rest of the pack, leading to many cars being lapped and getting in the way of the leaders.
The rule was then taken away in 2002. However, it was reintroduced in 2011 as the cars at the back of the pack struggled significantly with their pace. Most notably the HRT cars could not build a fuel tank that would last to the end of the Grand Prix, meaning they had to save fuel for most of the race, and therefore go slower.
The rule has not been used very often since its reintroduction into the sport. However, it still serves as a safety element to prevent cars that are too slow from competing in the race and causing a danger on the circuit during the Grand Prix.
RELATED ARTICLE Why Do F1 Drivers Slow Down In Qualifying? (8 Reasons)
Is The 107% Rule Still Used In F1?
The 107% rule is still used in F1, and has been ever since being reintroduced into Formula 1 in 2011. It was brought back as the gap between the lead cars and the slower cars at the back of the grid was getting larger, and the slower cars were often close to falling behind the 107% rule.
The 107% rule is still used today even though we don’t see it very often. Nowadays the grid is fast enough to not have to worry about the 107% rule, and in the majority of cases, the slowest car on the grid is still quick enough to compete.
RELATED ARTICLE What Is A Flying Lap In F1? (Explained)
When Was The 107% Rule Last Used In F1?
The 107% rule was last used in F1 in 2021. Lance Stroll lapped slower than 107% of the fastest Q1 time at the 2021 French Grand Prix, as incidents prevented him from completing a full timed lap. However, he was allowed to start the race due to his times set during free practice sessions.
The 107% rule was also used in 2018 during the Azerbaijan GP when Brendon Hartley failed to set a fast enough time during Q1 in his Toro Rosso. However, the team argued that he had suffered a puncture during his fastest run, which was the cause of his slow lap time. He was allowed to race due to proof of the puncture as well as being fast enough during the practice sessions and previous races.
The Last Time The 107% Rule Prevented A Driver From Starting A Race
The 107% was last used in full effect during the 2012 season. The 2012 Australian Grand Prix was the season opener, and the HRT team pulled up to the race with arguably the worst Formula 1 car in recent history that was not capable of putting in a lap fast enough to be within 107% of the fastest time set in Q1.
Both drivers, Narain Karthikeyan and Pedro De La Rosa, were not allowed to compete in the race. The same thing happened to Karthikeyanand then-teammate Vitantonio Liuzzi a year prior at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix.
Should The 107% Rule Remain In Formula 1?
Ultimately this rule serves a simple purpose, which is to ensure that the track is safe enough based on having cars and competitors who are fast enough and won’t get in the way of the leading cars throughout the course of the race.
This is an important element of the sport, especially considering the fact that there is a massive focus on the safety of the drivers in Formula 1. Based on this alone, the 107% rule should remain in Formula 1 in the future.
Rarely Employed To Full Effect
In addition, the 107% rule has never forced any driver to stop racing due to technicalities. If a driver fails to qualify within the 107% time, there will always be a review where the stewards will effectively do everything they can to make sure the driver can race. In the majority of cases, drivers who have fallen foul of the 107% rule are still allowed to race.
During qualifying at the 2016 Hungarian Grand Prix, a total of 11 drivers failed to qualify within 107% of the fastest time set in Q1. This was due to a chaotic session filled with incidents, delays, and rain. The final minutes of Q1 were red flagged, which meant that several drivers could not set a faster lap time. An exception was made for all of these drivers.
The 107% Rule In Other Motorsports
The 107% rule has been implemented in other branches of motorsport as well. This rule proved to be popular as a way to ensure that all competitors are fast enough on track, which can lead to a safer race during the main event.
Formula 2 and Formula 3, the junior series to Formula 1, both use the 107% rule, and it has been used quite frequently in both. This is because the drivers have much less experience and, because all of the cars are equal in terms of performance, if a driver fails to set a lap time faster than 107% of the best time, it’s simply because they are too slow (excluding the usual exceptions).
Formula E has implemented an alternative version of the same rule where drivers need to be within 110% of the fastest time. IndyCar and NASCAR both have alternative versions of the rule as well, as they implement 105% and 115% respectively.
Final Thoughts
The 107% rule in F1 is a rule designed to ensure that only cars that set a lap time within 107% of the fastest time in Q1 in qualifying can start the race. This is to ensure that slow cars/drivers that could possibly pose a danger to others are not allowed to start the race.
More from Flow Racers:
- The 10 Best F1 Races Of All Time (Plus Lists By Decade)
- How F1 Qualifying Works – The Ultimate Guide
- Why Do F1 Drivers Slow Down In Qualifying? (8 Reasons)
- What Is A Flying Lap In F1? (Explained)
FAQs
What is the 107% rule in F1? ›
To be eligible to start a grand prix, a driver must qualify within 107% of the time set in Q1 by the fastest car. Failure results in automatic exclusion. Stewards may subsequently allow a car to start if they believe a driver was prevented from setting a <107% time by special circumstances.
What is the 107 percent qualifying rule? ›107% rule. During the first phase of qualifying, any driver who fails to set a lap within 107 percent of the fastest Q1 time will not be allowed to start the race. However, in exceptional circumstances, which could include a driver setting a suitable time during practice, the stewards may permit the car to start.
What are the basic rules of F1? ›Rules of Formula 1
Drivers must wear helmets, shoes, gloves, HANS devices, and race suits specifically designed for F1 races. F1 race circuits are between approximately three and seven miles. Teams may use no more than four total drivers in races throughout the season.
The 107% Rule is a means to ensure that entries to a race are fast enough to be competitive, and not pose a danger to faster cars. It was originally enacted for the 1996 season, and was in place through 2002. The rule reintroduced for 2011, and has been in place ever since.
Is there a limit to how many pit stops in F1? ›How many pit stops are allowed in F1? There is no limit to how many pit stops a driver can take in a race, but they must make at least one to change tire compounds. In an uneventful weekend, a driver will stop at the pits at least once and two times tops.
What is the minimum speed in F1? ›But it's not just the cornering speeds that are limited under the Safety Car, it's also acceleration and top speed. "Last year, F1 cars took the speed trap before Turn 13 at over 300 kph but clocked in "only" 255 kph under the Safety Car.
What is 107 as a decimal? ›Below we will explain how to convert 107 to a decimal. This is a simple and straightforward calculation. Therefore the answer: 107 percent as a decimal is 1.0700999999999.
How do I find the percentage of 8 hours? ›So 8 hours divided by 48 would be 6. That would be 16.67%. Simplified, this would be 1/6. 1/6 in percentage would be 16.67%.
Is it hard to become an F1 engineer? ›You need to have a good strong mechanical engineering understanding. Most people these days have degrees in mechanical engineering or something similar with some engineering background. That's the academic qualification but you need a lot of track-side experience to do the job too.
Why is there a red flag in qualifying? ›The red flag is displayed by marshals when conditions are unsafe to continue the session or race. When shown during a practice or qualifying session, all cars must immediately reduce speed and proceed slowly back to the pit lane.
What is Formula qualifying? ›
What is Formula 1 qualifying? Formula 1 qualifying is the process by which drivers compete to set the fastest lap time around a circuit during a specific time period. The results of qualifying determine the starting order for the race, with the driver who sets the fastest lap time starting in pole position.
What is Formula 1 in a nutshell? ›Formula One - A Racing Sport
F1 is the highest level of single-seat, open-wheel and open-cockpit professional motor racing contest. Formula One racing is governed and sanctioned by a world body called the FIA − Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile or the International Automobile Federation.
– What is the scope of the regulations? - The presence of alcohol in a driver's body during an International Competition is prohibited.
What is new F1 rule? ›In short, four additional changes will come into play this year: floor edges have been raised by 15mm; the diffuser throat height has been raised; the diffuser edge stiffness has been increased; and an additional sensor has been mandated to more effectively monitor the porpoising phenomenon.
What does the P mean in F1 qualifying? ›Pole position
The furthest-forward starting berth on the grid allocated to the driver who has set the fastest qualifying lap in Q3 on the Saturday.
Drivers may run as many or as few laps as they wish. After Q1 is complete, the five slowest cars are eliminated (removed) from the qualifying session. This would include any cars that did not set a qualifying time. The remaining 15 cars advance (move on) to Q2.
Is there a speed limit on F1? ›Top speed: 200km/h / 124mph approx.
Why do they say box instead of pit? ›When the team need a driver to come in, they say "box" as opposed to "pit" because it is clearer and more distinctive over a radio to a driver who is also contending with the noice that accompanies speeding around in an F1 car.
How much do F1 pit crew get paid? ›On average, F1 pit crew members can earn anywhere from $30,000 to $1 million per year, with the crew chief earning the most. Pit crew members' salaries can be heavily influenced by the success of the team, the performance of the car, and the overall budget of the team.
Can F1 cars go 200 mph? ›An average F1 car can hit a top speed of 200–220 miles per hour (322–354 km/h), not unaided by the DRS concept since it was introduced in 2011. That's quick enough to cover a mile in less than 10 seconds.
How fast do F1 cars get to 100 mph? ›
Formula One race cars have been recorded to reach 0-60 as fast as 1.6 seconds, however the typical range for modern day F1 cars is between 2.1 to 2.7 seconds. The 2007 Honda RA107 f1 race car goes 0-100 mph in a blistering 4 seconds flat.
How fast is the slowest corner in F1? ›It contains both the slowest corner in Formula One (the Fairmont Hairpin, taken at just 48 km/h or 30 mph) and one of the quickest (the flat out kink in the tunnel, three turns beyond the hairpin, taken at 260 km/h or 160 mph).
What is 107 as a percent? ›To convert 107 to percent multiply 107 by 100. The result is 10700 percent, or, using the percent sign, 10700 %.
What is 0.70% as a decimal? ›| Percent | Decimal |
|---|---|
| 0.1% | 0.001 |
| 1% | 0.01 |
| 2% | 0.02 |
| 3% | 0.03 |
Percentages are calculated by using the equation amount / total = percentage. For example, if a cell contains the formula =10/100, the result of that calculation is 0.1. If you then format 0.1 as a percentage, the number will be correctly displayed as 10%.
How do you work out percentage rates? ›To determine the percentage, we have to divide the value by the total value and then multiply the resultant by 100.
What is 10% of 24hrs? ›Ten percent is ten per every hundred, that is ten percent is Thus ten percent of 24 hours is 0.10 \times 24 = 2.4 hours.
How much does an F1 engineer get paid? ›The salaries of F1 engineers can vary widely depending on their experience and level of expertise. Junior engineers may earn around $50,000 per year, while senior engineers can earn well over $100,000 per year. In some cases, top-level engineers may earn even more than this.
How much does a Red Bull engineer get paid? ›The average Red Bull Staff Engineer earns an estimated $105,821 annually, which includes an estimated base salary of $95,382 with a $10,439 bonus. Red Bull's Staff Engineer compensation is $1,298 less than the US average for a Staff Engineer. Staff Engineer salaries at Red Bull can range from $53,443 - $172,500.
How much does a Ferrari engineer earn? ›
$114,099. The estimated total pay for a Mechanical Engineer at Ferrari is $114,099 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users.
What is the black flag F1? ›In FIA International-permitted series, the black flag means an immediate disqualification for the driver involved. The car number of the summoned driver is displayed on the finish line.
Can a race continue after a red flag? ›If the red flag is waved during the race, all cars must line up behind the red flag line. After all cars have lined up, the race is suspended until the danger on the course has been eliminated. Once the danger on the course has been removed, race control determines the time to resume the race.
When was the last black flag in F1? ›Black Flag
You've been disqualified from the race. The last time the black flag was used in F1 was 2007. During the Canadian Grand Prix, both Felipe Massa and Giancarlo Fisichella were pulled aside for passing a red light when leaving the pits.
Drivers can only activate DRS when they are in the designated activation zones and when they are within one second of a car in front in races – this includes backmarker traffic. In practice and qualifying, DRS use is unrestricted other than only being allowed in the designated zones.
How many laps in a qualifier? ›The fastest time set by each driver from either session counted towards their final grid position. Each driver was limited to twelve laps per qualifying session.
How much does an F1 car cost? ›On relevant platforms such as f1authentics.com, F1 cars are already appearing for around $119,300 (£100,000 British pounds). Of course, you can't expect to buy a car that has actually raced, but at best a show car that more or less matches the original.
What does the F in F1 stand for? ›F1 hybrid is a term used in genetics and selective breeding. F1 stands for Filial 1, the first filial generation seeds/plants or animal offspring resulting from a cross-mating of distinctly different parental types.
What is the most important thing in a F1 car? ›Many are familiar with the highest class of international racing for open-wheel, single-seat formula racing cars but few understand the science behind them—most importantly, the aerodynamic downforce that is key to a successful and secure F1 car.
What are Formula One fans called? ›It has become common to use the word Tifosi to refer to the supporters of Scuderia Ferrari in Formula One. Italian motor racing fans are well known for their love of Ferrari, though they have also been staunch supporters of other Italian cars such as Maserati, Lancia and Alfa Romeo.
How much is a F1 helmet? ›
This, on top of a fully custom paint job, custom visor, crash sensors, and other accessories can make a race-worthy F1 helmet cost upwards of $15,000-$20,000, easy.
Can F1 drivers smoke? ›Hence, a damaged pair of lungs can be very crucial in determining a driver's long run in the sport. A healthy driver's heart rate is 45-50 BPM and when racing, it can even reach up to 200 BPM. So it's very important for drivers to have healthy diets, and certainly, smoking is a big no for them.
What do F1 drivers do night before race? ›Depending on the team in question some may have marketing activities or fan sessions, though these are often kept to a minimum in the build-up on race day. Drivers will also attend a pre-race strategy briefing with senior team members as the various scenarios are planned and discussed.
What is the golden rule in F1? ›“On one hand, you've got a track that is dry and there's a golden rule that says you should go for that track if it is dry.
What are the Formula 1 rule changes for 2023? ›This season, fuel in a car cannot be colder than either 10-degrees centigrade below ambient temperature, or 10-degrees centigrade when the car is running outside of the garage. For 2023, F1 will increase its number of ever-popular Sprint weekends, which will rise from three in 2022 to six in the coming season.
Can you use the number 13 in F1? ›...
Formula One driver numbers.
| No. | 13 |
|---|---|
| Driver | Pastor Maldonado |
| 2023 team | — |
| First used | 2014 |
| Last used | 2015 |
Drivers must slow down as they pass; overtaking is forbidden, unless it is unavoidable such as a driver retiring in the section, or a driver is lapped.
What is the penalty for using too many engines in F1? ›The first time an additional element is used, the driver gets a 10-place grid penalty. The next time an additional element is used, the driver gets a five-place grid penalty. If a driver incurs a penalty exceeding 15 grid places, they will be required to start the race at the back.
Can F1 have female drivers? ›There has not been a woman driver in a Formula 1 race for more than 40 years. But that could be about to change. With about 40 percent of F1 fans now female, the motorsport industry is making a concerted effort to ensure that at least one of the 20 drivers on the grid is female.
Is number 69 allowed in F1? ›A Formula One car number is the number on a car used to identify a car and its driver. Currently, drivers are allowed to pick their own number for their career from 0, 2 through 99.
Has any F1 driver had the number 69? ›
Number 69 to be retired at the Circuit of the Americas in honour of Nicky Hayden - INDIA in F1.
What happens if Verstappen deliberately crashes into Hamilton? ›What if Verstappen crashes into Hamilton at Turn One? Technically, the title would be Verstappen's. But we can expect the FIA to immediately look into the crash and, if deemed deliberate, hand out a heavy penalty.
What is the biggest penalty in F1? ›Not just the largest ever fine in F1 history, McLaren were given the biggest penalty in any sport's history when they were smacked with a 100 million dollar fine in 2007.
Which F1 track is hardest to overtake? ›Monaco Grand Prix has the fewest overtakes of any Formula 1 race and 'needs to change' says Lewis Hamilton but Pierre Gasly defends 'most difficult race of the year' Despite being the blue riband event of the Formula 1 season, new research has shown just how little on-track racing the Monaco Grand Prix provides.
How high do F1 engines idle? ›Normally, the Formula 1 racing engine idles at 5000 RPM—and revs all the way to 15,000—but obviously that isn't acceptable for a street car that needs to pass emissions testing.
What is Max RPM of F1 engine? ›The power a Formula One engine produces is generated by operating at a very high rotational speed, up to 20,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). However, they are electronically limited to 15,000 as of 2021 season.
How many times can you refuel in F1? ›The rules and regulations in Formula 1 racing do not allow the cars to refuel between the race. FIA decided to ban the refuelling process from enhancing the crew's safety and reducing costs. Even though the teams require clever strategies and tactics to manage without refuelling, it is a critical safety step.