(01)Glossary
Monaco Grand Prix glossary
Paddock, DRS, safety car, pole position: the most commonly used Formula 1 and Monaco circuit terms, explained simply for newcomers to the sport.
- Paddock
- The technical area reserved for teams, set back from the pits, where team trucks and hospitality units are based.
- Pit lane
- The lane parallel to the track where cars stop for tyre changes or adjustments during the race.
- DRS (Drag Reduction System)
- A movable rear wing system that reduces aerodynamic drag to help overtaking in designated zones of the circuit.
- Safety car
- A car that neutralises the race in the event of an incident, bunching the field behind it at reduced speed.
- Starting grid
- The order in which drivers start the race, determined by qualifying results.
- Chicane
- A tight sequence of two opposite-direction corners designed to slow cars down; the Swimming Pool section of the Monaco circuit is a well-known example.
- Parc fermé
- An area where cars are placed under supervision after qualifying, with no adjustments allowed before the race except under regulated exceptions.
- Formation lap
- The lap drivers complete from the grid to the official start of the race, to bring tyres and brakes up to temperature.
- Podium
- The platform where the top three finishing drivers, along with associated constructors and engine manufacturers, are celebrated.
- Pole position
- First place on the starting grid, earned by the fastest driver in qualifying.