I know many car enthusiasts who do not follow any form of racing at all. In the mid to late ’80s, I started to follow Formula 1 racing, which I believe is the highest level of car racing on the planet today. I have not missed a Formula 1 race to this day. I have attended about 10 races live. I believe anyone who calls themselves a car enthusiast should see at least 1 race in their lifetime.

But why should an enthusiast care about such a form of racing, when the cars look nothing like the cars we are able to buy?

Even though Formula 1 cars do not look anything like road cars, they are rolling laboratories for a manufacturer. They are given a set of rules to follow, and then proceed to design the absolute fastest race car they possibly can. The technology utilized does eventually trickle down to the cars we drive on the road. Also, winning a Formula 1 World Championship is like winning a gold medal in the Olympics – it is certainly a badge of honor for a manufacturer to be able to say they are the Formula 1 World Champs, and unlike the Olympics, they have the opportunity every year.

There are some historical brands competing in the series right now, Ferrari being the most storied. Mercedes also has a team (and are the current World Champions), as does Lotus and McLaren. Other teams exist that showcase a manufacturer’s engine, such as Red Bull, Williams, etc. Teams do come and go, going mainly because of cost and/or lack of success. The sport is incredibly competitive, so when a team dominates it to such a degree where they have won a Championship 2 or more years in a row, it is truly something special. Ferrari has been in the game from the beginning, which, I believe, is a massive contributor to the legendary status their road-going cars enjoy today.

Formula 1 also attracts the very best drivers in the world. Their salaries reflect this. Many start at very young ages, in karts, and they work their way up through different series, hoping to someday get to Formula 1. It’s a very elite club, as currently, there are only 21 drivers competing. Think about that – 21 drivers from all over the world.

I suppose what attracts me to Formula 1 is getting to see the most advanced race cars in the world, with the very best drivers driving them. They drive on tracks all over the world, and only road courses – no ovals. To me, Formula 1 is the NFL of football, or the NHL of hockey.

Of course, in the USA, NASCAR racing is incredibly popular. People can relate to these race cars more simply because they are meant to resemble road going cars.Their level of technology, though, is rather basic. Manufacturers will involve themselves in NASCAR more to advertise their brand rather than utilize any technology for their road cars. NASCAR truly echoes the well-known saying of “win on Sunday, sell on Monday”. Personally, I do not follow NASCAR, but more power to anyone that does.

If you have never seen a race, put it on your Bucket List!