F1 EXPLAINS: How F1 lap times are recorded in a world of hundredths and thousandths

In Formula 1, every thousandth of a second is crucial. Drivers’ performances are often separated by less than the blink of an eye, so how are F1 cars timed so accurately?

To find out, F1 Explains hosts Christian Hewgill and Katie Osborne catch up with James Clarke, a highly-trained timekeeper.

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James explains the technology on cars and at circuits which make the timing system work, how lap times and race positions are accurately recorded, and what happens if two drivers set identical times.

To listen to the full episode, hit go on the audio player above – or click here to listen on your preferred podcasting platform.

And to get your questions answered, you can send a query about any F1 topic you fancy to F1Explains@F1.com. Our intrepid podcast team will then hunt down the best person in the paddock to give you the answer.

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All episodes of F1 Explains are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other major podcast apps. New episodes are released every Friday.