What Is Formula 1 Racing?

It's lights out and away we go! Young fans of Formula 1 racing will find themselves in pole position after reading this must-have guide to the history of one of the most popular sports in the world.

In Formula 1 racing, drivers from across the world compete in racing unique, single-seater vehicles. Although F1 might seem like a hot new trend in the world of sports, the origins of auto racing go back all the way to the 1890s, shortly after the invention of the car! It wasn't until 1947 that the official Formula 1 league was created as a way to gather the strongest racers in the world into one group.

Today, there are eleven different racing teams that participate in the races, including McLaren and Ferrari. In the 2026 Formula 1 season, there were twenty-four different races for drivers to enter. Grand prix races such as the Monaco Grand Prix are some of the most popular sporting events in the world, and many of them have been around for nearly a century! This book will help young readers get to know some of F1's most popular athletes, including Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and more.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs