F1 Glossary: 30 Terms Every Fan Should Know
Quick answer: This glossary explains the words you hear most on F1 broadcasts, from "box" (come into the pits) to "undercut" (pitting early to gain a place) and "overtake mode" (the 2026 replacement for DRS).
Racing and strategy
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Apex | The inside point of a corner that drivers aim for |
| Box | Radio call telling the driver to come into the pits |
| Stint | The laps a driver completes on one set of tyres |
| Undercut | Pitting before a rival to gain time on fresh tyres |
| Overcut | Staying out longer than a rival to gain time |
| Dirty air | Turbulent air behind a car that reduces grip for the car following |
| Slipstream or tow | Following closely on a straight to reduce drag and gain speed |
| Pole position | First place on the starting grid |
| Grid penalty | Places a driver drops on the grid for a rule breach or new engine parts |
| DNF | Did not finish |
| Purple sector | The fastest time anyone has set in that part of the lap |
The car
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Power unit | The full hybrid engine: combustion engine, battery and electric motor |
| MGU-K | The electric motor that recovers energy under braking and gives it back |
| ERS | Energy Recovery System, the hybrid part of the power unit |
| Active aero | 2026 wings that change position for straights and corners |
| Overtake mode | Extra electric power for a car close behind another, replacing DRS from 2026 |
| DRS | The opening rear wing flap used to help overtaking until 2025 |
| Downforce | Aerodynamic force that pushes the car into the track for grip |
| Porpoising | The car bouncing at high speed due to its aerodynamics |
Tyres
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Compound | The rubber type: soft, medium or hard, plus intermediates and wets for rain |
| Graining | Rubber tearing into small rolls on the surface, reducing grip |
| Blistering | Tyre overheating that causes bubbles in the rubber |
| Marbles | Bits of rubber collected off the racing line, which are slippery |
More in Pirelli F1 tyre compounds explained.
Rules and officials
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Safety Car | A car that leads the field at reduced speed after an incident |
| VSC | Virtual Safety Car, a set speed limit for all cars without a physical Safety Car |
| Parc fermé | Rules that stop teams changing the car between qualifying and the race |
| Stewards | Officials who investigate incidents and give penalties |
| Constructor | A team that designs and builds its own car |
| Sprint | A short Saturday race on selected weekends with points for the top eight |
| Chequered flag | The flag that ends a session |
See also F1 flags explained, the F1 points system and the 2026 rules explained.
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FAQ
What does "box box" mean in F1?
It is the radio call telling a driver to come into the pits on that lap.
What is the undercut?
Pitting before a rival so that your faster laps on fresh tyres put you ahead once they stop.
What replaced DRS?
From 2026, active aerodynamics and an overtake mode that gives the chasing car extra electric power.
