Whether you’ve seen the new movie or have that one friend that never stops yapping about their favourite driver, you’ve probably heard of Formula One aka. the world’s classiest sport.

Isn’t that a sport for - before you ask, no. Once upon a time, it might have been a niche hobby, but F1 has spiked in recent years which explains why you’ve seen your favourite celebs and influencers posting pictures in fancy garages and pit lanes! Feeling a little out of the loop? Don’t fret, here’s the VIP pass to all the basics, so you can join in on the hype.

Tire pressure, wind speed, G force.. While none of it sounds simple (nor fun unless you loved high school physics), the core of Formula One is simple: Mario Kart in real life, but with more money and less banana peels.

Easy stuff? Not quite. Think the Olympics of going in fast circles, but boujee (and better) - champagne, yachts and better fashion! These drivers are pro athletes who push their bodies to the limit at over 300km/hr, gruelling training with a side of jet-lag, and split-second decisions and reactions that change their fate.

Races are held at different locations around globe from Melbourne to Abu Dhabi, with a weekend packed with events! While it sounds like a lot for cars going round in circles, but trust, it’s seriously entertaining and a great excuse to celebrate something. 

Why the sudden buzz and popularity? Blame (or thank) Netflix’s Drive to Survive for turning into a global-binge watch! The show pulled back the curtain on what appeared outsiders as metal, engines and rubber to reveal a sport with entertainment funnier than Keeping Up with the Kardashians and personalities impossible not to love.

Behind-the-scenes of the luxurious lifestyle and drama combined with their impeccable social media game created viral, meme-worthy moments turned casual scrollers into die-hard fans, and thanks to the incredible TikTok edits, over 40% of the fans are now women (can you blame us though?).

“It’s just a job - they show up, race, then go home” Think again - most of these drivers grew up together and raced against each other before they even had real licenses! While they all love each other deep down (might be a little deeper for some), as expected, there's been no shortage of feuds and friendship fall-outs.

Whether it was “nothing just an incident” or a push off the track, a first podium or unfair penalty, there's no shortage of entertainment.