Q&A for How to Become an F1 Driver

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I'm 20 and I want to become a professional driver. How do I go about this?

Community Answer

Go to Google and find racing clubs in your area, then follow the instructions on this site.

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Question

Is it possible to skip kart racing?

Shreyash Tijare

Community Answer

Not really. When driving a real F1 car for the first time, you need to have basic racing skills and some measure of experience, which is what the kart racing provides.

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Question

Can I race for my country in Formula 1 if I move to another country or would I be racing for that country?

Community Answer

Yes. Drivers from around the world all compete in the same championship. It is generally your country of origin and where you are currently a citizen.

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Question

When is someone too old to become an F1 driver?

Community Answer

With 2017 regulations, around 45+. After that, your body has a harder time trying to cope with the amounts of force experienced.

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Question

I am 23 years old. Is it too late to become a Formula 1 driver?

Community Answer

No. You can definitely start honing your skills now.

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Question

How do I become an F1 driver if I'm from India?

Community Answer

My family is from there and because there are a lot of tracks there, it is perfect. Enter kart competitions and just build your way up.

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Question

I'm 10 years old. Is it too late to become a driver?

Community Answer

Of course not. You can't start driving until you're at least 15 in most places. If you want to try kart racing first, you still have plenty of time for that, too!

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Question

Do you have to pay your car team or do they pay you?

Community Answer

It depends on your contract. Some drivers pay to race and others get paid.

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Question

I am not allowed to join a racing school until I finish my degree in engineering. Will it be too late if I join a racing academy after I finish my studies?

Community Answer

No. If you get an engineering degree it is better because you will have more experience. My plan is to get an engineering/mechanical degree and then become a pro driver.

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Question

What subjects do I need to study to be an F1 Driver?

Community Answer

There is no prescribed course of study. What you need to become an F1 driver is lots of experience and money (at least until you get sponsored, after which the money isn't as much of a concern).

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Question

At 13 years old, how long should I be karting before moving up the career ladder into more competitive racing?

Community Answer

Maybe two years, but after that it depends on whether or not you are quick. Go karting until you are consistently in the winning circle. After that, you can progress to formula or LGB swift depending on where you are.

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Question

Do I have to buy an F1 car or does my team let me borrow one?

Community Answer

In most cases, when you are signed on to a team, the team will supply you with the car and all other necessary supplies.

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Question

I'm 18 years old and have always wanted to drive in F1, but where do I begin? Am I too old to start kart racing?

Community Answer

No, start off simple and work your way up to motorsports.

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Question

Is it too late to try to become an F1 driver if I am in my late teens and attending college?

Community Answer

No. Lewis Hamilton is 32 now, and he started in his early 20s. Don't quit college though, education is important.

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Question

Can someone from Africa become an F1 driver?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

How much does it cost to become an F1 or F4 driver?

Community Answer

The simple answer is: a lot. There is no exact figure, but for example, an F4 rolling chassis (no engine, no transmission) can cost over $45k.

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Question

Would I have any problem racing F1 because I am American?

Community Answer

No; there are many American F1 drivers.

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Question

I haven't finished my school career yet, but I have passion and a talent for driving race cars. Can I still become a driver?

Community Answer

You can, but you should finish school first. Very few people get to the elite levels of racing, and you will most likely need something to fall back on.

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Question

Is it too late for me to become an F1 driver if I'm in my 40s?

Community Answer

Yes. With 2017 regulations, 45 is your limit. After that, your body has a harder time trying to cope with the amounts of force experienced.

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Question

If I start my racing career at 17 years old, how much time will it take to become a F1 driver?

Community Answer

You need at least 10 years to become a professional driver.

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Question

At what age can I become an F1 driver?

Community Answer

There is not really an age limit. You can become an F1 driver when you have completed training and are ready for the responsibilities that come with it.

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Question

Is it too late to join F1 if I am 27 years old?

Community Answer

No, it is not too late to join.

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Question

Can a 21-year-old start fresh and become a driver?

Community Answer

Absolutely. Anything is possible.

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Question

Can I become a racer at 17?

Community Answer

It depends on your racing skills, but you can work your way up to becoming a racer depending on how frequently you practice.

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Question

I am in South Africa. How can I become F1 driver?

Community Answer

South Africa has two really challenging kart circuits at Kaylami and Zwartkops. You can try going there for information.

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Question

Are there F1 races just for women?

Community Answer

Not specifically. Women can compete in the same F1 leagues as men.

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Question

Is it possible for a female who is 18 years old to become a Formula One driver?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. You just need to follow the steps listed above, and you'll be well on your way.

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Question

Where is a good racing school in the United States?

Community Answer

There is a good school called Lucas Oil School of Racing which provides you with two days of on- and off-track lessons from experienced people.

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Question

How do I become a F1 driver if I'm 18 and not from the USA?

Community Answer

Where you are from has nothing to do with becoming an F1 driver. At your age you should consider buying a kart, competing in professional races, and looking for a sponsorship.

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Question

What can a 25-year-old from Hyderabad, India do to train to become an F1 driver?

Community Answer

There are a lot of tracks there, it is perfect. Enter kart competitions and just build your way up.

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