Formula One racing is a sport defined by rules and regulations.  It is also a sport with a long history.  Like any sport with this background, Formula One racing has developed terms that are confusing or not understood by new fans.  The information below highlights some of the more misunderstood terms used in Formula One racings.

In Formula One racing “clean air” does not refer to fresh or filtered air.  Clean air is the term used to refer to the air encountered by the head car in a race.  The turbulence caused by the cars has not yet touched this air.  It offers the best aerodynamic conditions for the drivers.  Clean air is a benefit of leading the race.

Near the end of a race a driver may realize he does not have enough fuel to complete the race.  The driver will then “splash and dash”.  A splash and dash simply means that the driver enters the pits and the pit crew put only the small amount of gasoline needed to finish the race in his tank rather than to fill the tank.  The driver gets a splash of gas and then dashes off for the finish.

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