Day: October 7, 2025

Formula 1 standings are updated throughout the season as each race is completed. Formula 1 is the highest class of international open-wheel, single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Its name derives from the series of rules – covering engine size, component usage and more – that all competitors must abide by. Thousands of parts are involved in creating F1 cars, which act as aeroplanes flipped upside down and rely on front and rear wings and eight-speed paddle shift gearboxes to push them across the track and give drivers a grip through corners.

The first F1 races took place in 1950, with the inaugural World Championship season culminating at Silverstone – then known as the Royal Air Force Station – on May 13. Alfa Romeo driver Giuseppe ‘Nino’ Farina won the first title, followed by Juan Manuel Fangio and Luigi Fagioli.

Over the decades, the sport has seen huge technological advances. From pre-war models like Alfa’s 158 to mid-1950s front engined cars, F1 saw manufacturers such as Ferrari and Mercedes dominate.

In the 1990s McLaren and Williams reigned, with both teams winning 16 titles between them (seven constructors’ and nine drivers’). Ayrton Senna looked poised to add to his tally before his tragic accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Today’s cars are more powerful than ever and able to travel around the lap of a circuit in under two hours. Their engines – with their turbochargers, internal combustion units, motor generators-heat and motor generators-kinetic – produce more than 2,000 horsepower and combine to deliver immense downforce.

Many sports organizations leverage social media to boost fan engagement and connect with a new generation of fans. But for athletes, it can be a challenging place to navigate. With one wrong move, a player can tarnish his or her reputation and harm the team’s image or even deep-six their career.

Athletes can use social media to build a brand that reflects their positive public image and drive sponsorship opportunities for both themselves and the organization. This authentic connection benefits fans, too. Fans who feel connected to athletes are more likely to engage with game-related content, purchase merchandise and support the team.

Social media also gives athletes a platform to share behind-the-scenes content, which can deepen their connections with the audience. Athletes like Isaac Rochell of the Seattle Seahawks have used TikTok to show off everything from family moments to his business ventures, connecting with fans in a more personal way. This engagement has continued well after Rochell’s NFL career, demonstrating the longevity of a strong social media presence.

But the social media landscape can be a tricky environment for young athletes, who may not yet have the skills and experience to manage a social media strategy effectively. It’s important for coaches to be prepared to discuss social media with their players, ensuring that they have a plan in place to navigate the challenges. The coach can take the stance that some colleges and high schools have taken—and subsequently rescinded—by banning athletes from social media, or they can help them build an online presence early and guide them in developing a mature approach to the platform.