Methodology

All statistics on this site are computed at build time from multiple data sources. This page documents the formulas, definitions, and edge cases used.

Definitions

Race Entry vs Race Start

A race entry is any driver listed in the entry list for a Grand Prix weekend. A race start is a driver who took the start of the race (appeared on the starting grid for the formation lap). Drivers who withdrew before the start or were excluded are counted as entries but not starts.

Classified Finish vs Retirement

A classified finish means the driver received a final race position, regardless of whether they completed all laps. Under F1 regulations, a driver who completes 90% of the winner's laps is classified even if they did not finish. A retirement is any non-finish where the driver was not classified.

DNF Categories

Did Not Finish (DNF) results are grouped by cause where a reasonRetired field is available:

• Mechanical: Engine, gearbox, hydraulics, electrical, suspension, etc.
• Accident/Collision: On-track incidents.
• Other: Disqualification, driver illness, fuel, etc.

Pole Position

Pole position is awarded to the driver who set the fastest time in the qualifying session that determines the grid. During sprint-format weekends, the traditional Grand Prix pole is from the Friday qualifying session, not the sprint qualifying. The qualifyingFormat field is used to distinguish formats.

Points

Championship points use the aggregate totalChampionshipPoints field by default. The totalPoints field may include sprint race points and other variations. Where mismatches exist between source totals and recomputed totals, the source total is used with a documented note.

Grand Slam (Grand Chelem)

A Grand Slam is achieved when a driver takes pole position, sets the fastest lap, wins the race, and leads every lap. A totalGrandSlams field tracks this. The definition may vary historically; we use the source value.

Sprint Race Statistics

Sprint race starts, wins, podiums, and points are tracked separately from Grand Prix race statistics. They are not combined into the main race totals unless explicitly stated.

Half-Points Races

In races where half points are awarded (due to shortened races), the actual points awarded are recorded. Championship point totals reflect the points as officially awarded.

Indianapolis 500 (1950–1960)

The Indianapolis 500 was part of the World Championship from 1950 to 1960 but was run under different rules. Results and statistics from these years are included but may not be directly comparable to other championship events.

Data Sources

Data is aggregated from multiple sources and processed at build time. Race results, qualifying, sprints, fastest laps, pit stops, safety cars, red flags, standings, and race-session lap times (from 1982) are all pre-computed into static files.

Limitations

• Some historical records may have incomplete data due to gaps in the source.
• Race lap times (running position and time for each lap of the Grand Prix) are available from 1982. Earlier seasons and sprint sessions have no lap-by-lap series. Laps led records are derived from those race lap times.
• Teammate head-to-head comparisons are limited to same-race/same-constructor pairings.
• DNF categorization depends on the reasonRetired field quality.