The drivers may dominate attention, but Formula One would not exist without the designers and engineers who build their cars.
Joining their ranks in the future could well be some Dundee University students, who have just enjoyed their best ever result at a special event at Silverstone racing circuit.
They were taking part in Formula Student, a contest that attracts entries from all over Europe. Teams have to design and build a single-seat racing car and demonstrate it on the track.
The cars have to pass rigorous safety and technical inspections and the teams also have to give presentations to judges on their design and vital aspects such as cost and fuel consumption.
The university squad, called DRIVE, were the best of the Scottish entrants and came 20th UK team overall, with a seventh place in the sprint competition, which tested the car’s manoeuvrability and handling qualities.
DRIVE academic co-ordinator Dr Alan Slade said the result had been a big boost for morale.
“In our business plan when the team was formed we said that we would be the top team in Scotland within three years and one of the top 10 teams in the UK within seven. The team have achieved their first goal and I see no reason why we cannot achieve the second.”
Team member Graeme Allison said, “We didn’t do so well in the static events in comparison to previous years but we know what we need to concentrate on for next year while just making some minor development changes to the car.”