What does interval mean in F1?

What does interval mean in F1? an explanation on one of the most visible stat and figure in the race, as every race is all about time.

The Formula 1 race is all about time and speed, if you dominate the time, you are the winner in the true sense, the time in the pit stop, the time taken in a lap and the time in qualifying.

If you manage to complete things within the least amount of time, you will reap the most benefits. Therefore, the interval in a Formula 1 race is the most crucial figure.

The interval is a tower usually on the left side of the screen, next to the abbreviation of the drivers written. The driver leading is referred to as interval/leader and beneath it, additional time is written in relation to the rest of the drivers.

I.e, times between the different cars. If it says ‘leader’, the times are relative to the leader and if interval, the time difference from the driver ahead.

As per the official Formula 1 website, “the time interval to the car ahead or the one behind, plus the number of laps of the race remaining.” The major overhaul in interval happens, when racers pit to change tyres or a piece of equipment. Also when, a driver retires during the race.

Also read: Indy Car Vs F1: What is the difference between Indy Car and F1 Car

Example of an Interval

About the author

Tanish Chachra

Tanish Chachra is the Motorsport editor at The SportsRush. He saw his first race when F1 visited India in 2011, and since then, his romance with the sport has been seasonal until he took up this role in 2020. Reigniting F1's coverage on this site, Tanish has fallen in love with the sport all over again. He loves Kimi Raikkonen and sees a future world champion in Oscar Piastri. Away from us, he loves to snuggle inside his books.

Read More