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Formula One, abbreviated to F1, and also known as Grand Prix racing, is recognised as the highest class of auto racing in the world.[1] The "formula" in the name is a set of rules which all participants and cars must meet. The F1 season consists of a series of races, known as Grands Prix, held usually on purpose-built circuits, and in a few cases on closed city streets. The results of each race are combined to determine two annual World Championships, one for drivers and one for constructors. The cars race at speeds often greater than 300 km/h (187 mph). The formula introduces a number of restrictions and specifications that cars must meet. These are designed, amongst other things, to keep the ever-increasing cornering speeds in safe ranges. From 2006[2] engines have been restricted to normally-aspirated V8s with a displacement (capacity) of 2.4 litres (providing around 800 bhp [560 kW] at nearly 20,000 rpm). The performance of the cars is highly dependent on electronics, aerodynamics, suspension and tyres. The formula has seen many evolutions and changes through the history of the sport. There have been many different types of engines; normally aspirated, supercharged and turbocharged, ranging from straight-4 to H16, with displacements from 1.5 litres to 4.5 litres. The maximum power achieved in the history of the series was around 1200 bhp in racing trim, during the 1980s turbo era.
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