Formula One is, first and foremost, a race. However, over the years, it has evolved into something even bigger. F1 has become its own culture, complete with a new language, unique symbols, communal values, and incredible artifacts (the basic elements of culture, according to Google). Whether a fan is there for the competition or for the post-race driver interviews, they are still a part of the F1 world—one that extends far beyond the race track.
An economically divisive sport, F1 has only become more accessible over the years. Of course, there are ways to go see a race in person (if you have a cool $10,000 to burn), or you could spend 100 dollars a year on “SkySports,” an app that allows you to pick which driver onboard and radio to hear (my birthday is in August, in case you’re looking for a present).
Frankly, however, the average fan can’t afford such antics: we don’t all have a $300 million net-worth like Lewis Hamilton. Instead, people like me watch F1 on ESPN2, found on plain old cable TV. Post-race interviews can be enjoyed from YouTube, and a surprising amount of F1 news can be read on Instagram. Plus, the number of movies and shows about F1, for those who want to appreciate the incredible past of the sport as well, are countless. “Schumacher,” for example, and “The Art of Racing in the Rain,” are incredible examples of very well done movies that every F1 fan ought to watch. I know it’s controversial, but “Drive to Survive” is also an unbeatable source for the recent history of F1, covering every major event of each year—from silly seasons to driver friendships—even if they do tend to dramatize the sport.
If you’re looking for ways to get to know the sport beyond Max Verstappen winning and Logan Sargaent losing every race, know that the entertainment value of F1 extends far beyond Grand Prixs. It includes driver fashion, car engineering, tire strategy, “sending it,” and chassis dating back to when the engine was stored over the front wheels. Becoming a fan of F1 doesn’t mean waking up at 4 am every other weekend to watch a race that’s happening across the world, and it doesn’t mean tracking every drivers’ rankings obsessively through the season. It means appreciating the beauty and the culture that goes hand in hand with Formula 1, sticking with your team through good times and bad, and enjoying the delightful community of fans who are right alongside with you, drooling over $12,000 paddock tickets, and kicking their feet during post-race interviews.