Full Throttle

Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, pushes the 20 drivers and 10 teams to the absolute limit. Drivers endure temperatures up to 140℉ in their cockpits, G-forces up to 6 in turns, and speeds up to 220 miles per hour. 

Students are introduced to the sport through various media that help spread awareness about the races, drivers, and even the behind-the-scenes of the sport. 

 “I actually got into it through the Drive to Survive series on Netflix," commented freshman Dylan Nelson.

Drive to Survive has become a popular show among students at JA, helping to make the complexity of Formula One more approachable and exciting for new fans. 

“They kept posting about a bunch of winners,” explained sophomore Cullan Wright, “so then I started to check it out, and then I started watching it.”

Once students are hooked, their favorite drivers often play a big role in why they keep coming back and watching. 

“Max is the freaking GOAT,” exclaimed Wright. “He has won the most, and also he’s got the freaking fastest car!”

Max Verstappen, one of F1's top drivers, is currently in contention for his 5th consecutive title, although others prefer less-known or relevant drivers.

“I feel like [Yuki Tsunoda] has good resilience, and he still pushes through every single race, which I admire because he doesn’t have a lot of points this season,” explained sophomore Heather Simon, “but I just admire him pushing through all the struggles he has to go through.”

One of the most debated topics in Formula 1 is the World Drivers’ Championship. This season, the race is tight between Verstappen and the McLaren drivers.  

“I hope Lando Norris wins because he’s my favorite driver and he's been deserving of this title for two years now,” junior Sarah Otterstetter commented.

The excitement of ‘what ifs’ keeps fans coming back to see how the race might turn out. 

“It's just fun to watch, so I like the races and the tight races,” commented Nelson. “...The cars are getting a lot better. I am super excited to have a real American team on the grid!” 

With their recent collaborations and new teams joining, F1 has proven that they are trying to get a larger American audience. 

Senior Daisy Rush shared: “Formula 1 is a huge part of who I am. I have so much love and respect for that sport.”