Eight things about Formula 1 cars that make them mean racing machines

Built tough: The suspension of a Formula 1 cars, like the ones on the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, can withstand two tons of pressure. Left: Formula 1 cars uses its T-wings to create downforce to improve manouevrability. — AFP

¦ A Formula One car has an 800bhp engine but weighs only 640kg, including the driver. It has half the weight of a new Mini.

¦ While an aeroplane uses its wings to lift itself into the air, a Formula One car uses its T-wing to create downforce. It’s this downforce that pushes the car and helps them to negotiate corners faster with a better grip. It’s said that 150mph onwards, an F1 car can be driven upside down on the ceiling of a tunnel.