Formula 1 (often abbreviated to F1) is a single-seater series authorized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the world's leading automobile body. Participating racing teams construct cars that must meet the technical specifications set forth in the Formula 1 regulations. These racing cars compete in up to 24 Grand Prix races per year in the Formula 1 World Championship. At the end of the season, the driver with the most points becomes the Drivers' World Champion, and the manufacturer with the most points becomes the Constructors' World Champion.
Formula 1 is the highest-ranking single-seater racing series organized by the FIA. It is considered the pinnacle of motor racing because it claims to place the highest technical, driving, and financial demands on drivers and constructors of all racing series. It is the direct successor to the former International Grand Prix Formula, which merged into Formula 1 in 1948 (with the introduction of the new Formula 2). In 1950, the Automobile World Championship was introduced, initially only for drivers, and from 1958 also for constructors, as an overarching classification of the individual races held each season. Until the 1959 season, this also regularly included races that were not contested according to Formula 1 regulations. Following a fundamental reorganization of the organizational structure, the World Championship has continued under the new official name FIA Formula One World Championship since 1981.
The current reigning Drivers' World Champion for the 2024 season is Dutchman Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing. The 2025 season began on March 16 in Australia.
The Formula 1 headquarters are located in London, at St. James’s Market:
