F1 Glossary (K-O)

Whether they’re phrases rooted in the sport’s legendary history or words referring to the automotive technology of the future – F1 has a unique lexicon.

This simple dictionary will help you better understand the language of Formula 1, whether you're completely new to the sport or simply wanting to expand your existing knowledge.

If you’re looking for something specific, you can use your browser's search function.

KERB

Raised border around a track corner helping define track limits. There are different types of kerbs in F1, all often brightly coloured. Some drivers will 'ride' a kerb – effectively straddling it with the car – if it's the fastest way through a corner, although hitting a kerb too hard can unsettle the car and cause damage.

Example: “They had a big moment there after taking too much kerb looking for the apex!”

KEVLAR

Incredibly strong but lightweight, heat-resistant synthetic fibre used in various parts of a Formula 1 car. Kevlar is used in areas such as the bodywork, chassis and fuel tank.

Example: “The fuel tank has been constructed using Kevlar.”

LAP RECORD

Fastest time ever recorded at a circuit, set during a Grand Prix (so, not Qualifying). While some lap records have been broken in recent years, others have remained unbeaten from as far back as the early 2000s.

Example: “They look rapid and could set a new lap record here!”

LAPPED

When a driver is overtaken by someone who has completed a full lap or more of the circuit than they have, putting them a full lap behind. Backmarkers may be shown the blue flag when faster cars approach, instructing them to allow that car to overtake. It is possible for a driver to 'unlap' themselves if they can chase down and repass the car that lapped them.

Example: “They’ve already been lapped by the leading cars in this race, and now the rest of the pack is catching them.”

LAYING DOWN RUBBER

When very small pieces of rubber fall off the tyres and remain on the track surface. A process of circuit evolution, there'll be more shed rubber as more cars hit the track. This then increases the grip of the track surface, enabling the cars to go even faster. Also known as the track ‘rubbering in’.

Example: “The track is getting faster now that several drivers have been out laying down rubber.”

LEFT-FOOT BRAKING

Driving technique using the left foot to brake and the right foot on the throttle. With no clutch pedal, drivers are able to slow the car with the left foot before quickly accelerating again with the right foot. Became common in F1 in the 1990s.

Example: “Since then, left-foot braking has become standard in F1.”

LIFT AND COAST

Driving technique ‘lifting’ off the throttle and ‘coasting’ into a corner, using less fuel. Refuelling is not allowed in F1, so drivers must manage their fuel load properly if they want to finish the race.

Example: “I had to lift and coast for a few laps to save some fuel.”

LOCK-UP

When a wheel completely stops rotating (i.e. lock) while other wheels continue to move – usually because of too much force applied to the brakes. Smoke can be seen from the locking tyre as it grinds over the track surface, and a driver may suffer a 'flat spot'.

Example: “I locked up into the corner and there wasn't much I could do.”

MARBLES

Small pieces of rubber shredded from a tyre during a session that then build up off the racing line. Driving over them can be treacherous as they stop the tyre surface making full contact with the track.

Example: “I went wide onto the marbles and almost lost control at the hairpin.”

MARSHAL

Volunteer who supports various trackside operations and plays a crucial role in ensuring an event runs safely. Marshals are stationed at different points around the circuit and assist with safety operations such as clearing the track after an incident, or waving flags to alert drivers of possible hazards.

Example: “Full credit to the marshals there. We couldn't go racing without them.”

MEDICAL CAR

Rapid response car deployed to provide medical assistance when needed. A certified doctor joins a designated driver in the Medical Car. At the start of a race, the Medical Car lines up behind the grid and follows around the first lap in case of any incidents.

Example: “The Medical Car has now arrived at the scene of the accident.”

MEDICAL CENTRE

Facility required at every F1 circuit to provide medical assistance. Drivers will be taken to the Medical Centre if they need any precautionary checks or immediate medical support after an incident. If further assistance becomes necessary, they will be transferred to a local hospital.

Example: “Despite getting out of the car unaided, that was a big impact and they’ve been taken to the Medical Centre for checks.”

MEDIUM TYRE

Slick tyre compound with a level of durability between the hard tyre (most durable, less grip/speed) and the soft tyre (least durable, more grip/speed). Identifiable by the yellow on the sidewalls. Like the hard compound, the medium tyre is considered a good option for longer race distances.

Example: “Most of the grid have chosen to start the race on the medium tyre.”

MGU-H

Motor Generator Unit – Heat. Former component of the hybrid power unit that recovered thermal energy from exhaust gases for deployment elsewhere. Removed from F1 power units as part of the 2026 regulations.

Example: "While very effective, the MGU-H was a complicated system. Removing it makes the F1 power unit less complicated and more attractive to manufacturers."

MGU-K

Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic. Component of the hybrid power unit that recovers energy from the car's brakes for deployment elsewhere. From 2026, the MGU-K is nearly three times as powerful as before, able to recover energy at a greatly increased rate when the car is braking, coasting or even on throttle. Drivers are allocated a set number of MGU-K per season and will receive a penalty if they exceed that.

Example: "They’ve received a penalty for exceeding their allocation after changing the MGU-K overnight.”

MONOCOQUE

Key area of the car in which the cockpit is located. French for 'single shell', and sometimes referred to as a survival cell, the monocoque offers protection in the event of a crash. Also known as the monocoque chassis.

Example: “Fortunately the monocoque didn’t suffer any damage in the incident.”

NIGHT RACE

Race held in the evening (or later), with floodlights illuminating the circuit after darkness has fallen. The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix was the first F1 night race.

Example: “It's a night race, so the action will take place under the lights this weekend.”

NET ZERO BY 2030

Sustainability strategy launched by Formula 1 in 2019 to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030. F1 is firmly on track to achieve its target, driven by cross-sport collaboration with Formula 1 teams, partners, promoters, and the FIA.

Example: “Formula 1 is committed to be Net Zero by 2030, with a significant reduction of the sport's carbon footprint already.”

OPTION TYRE

Softer slick tyre choice. F1 drivers have to use at least two different dry-weather tyre compounds during a Grand Prix, so one compound becomes the harder, more durable 'prime' tyre, while the other becomes the softer, faster 'option'. The medium tyre could therefore be either a prime or an option tyre, depending on the other compound used.

Example: “It looks like the option tyre could be the best choice for this stint.”

OUTBRAKE

Attempt to brake later than another driver when trying to overtake. Braking too soon is slow, while braking too late risks taking a corner too quickly (potentially going off the track) or braking too hard and locking up.

Example: “They’ve tried to outbrake the car ahead, left it far too late and gone off!”

OUT-LAP

Lap when a driver makes their way out of the pits. In Qualifying, this generally comes just before a flying lap, and a driver will use it to bring the car up to temperature. During a race, it's the lap immediately after a driver has made a pit stop.

Example: “They're on an out-lap, coming around the final corner now before pushing on their flying lap.”

OUTPERFORMING THE CAR

Driver performing much better than expected because their skill behind the wheel overcomes any car limitations – i.e. their car might not be highly rated, but their results have been good.

Example: “The standings suggest they have been consistently outperforming that car all season with some impressive results.”

OVERALLS

Race suit. Made from fire-retardant material, race suits are a crucial piece of safety equipment. Overalls typically feature team branding, and are worn by drivers and others, including mechanics and marshals.

Example: “Some of the drivers are sporting special overalls this weekend.”

OVERCUT

Race strategy that sees a chasing driver pit later than the driver ahead of them in the hope of gaining an advantage. The aim is to stay on track longer than driver ahead, overtake them when they come in for their pit stop, and then build a gap over them before then pitting themselves.

Example: “They've not come in, so it looks like they’re staying out and trying the overcut.”

OVERSTEER

When a car turns more than the steering input from the driver. The rear wheels lose grip as the back end of the car begins to drift outwards. Opposite of understeer.

Example: “The car was oversteering all over the place.”

OVERTAKE MODE

Power unit mode replacing DRS to aid passing on track. Overtake can only be activated when a driver is within a second of the car in front at the detection point, but the advantage comes from the energy store and it’s incredibly strategic. Overtake can be used all lap (not just in specific zones), so drivers can choose to unleash it all in one burst, or spread it out over a lap. Introduced as part of the 2026 regulations.

Example: “Overtake allows a driver to sustain a higher speed for a longer period, and can only be used on the following lap.”