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Documentation Index

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FastF1 is a Python package that provides comprehensive access to Formula 1 timing data, telemetry, session results, and historical race information. Built on top of Pandas, it offers powerful data analysis capabilities with an intuitive API designed specifically for F1 data.

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Key Features

Timing & Telemetry Data

Access detailed lap times, sector times, and high-frequency telemetry data including speed, throttle, brake, and GPS position

Session Results

Retrieve complete session data for practice, qualifying, sprint, and race sessions from 2018 onwards

Historical F1 Data

Query historical F1 data through the Ergast-compatible jolpica-f1 API for seasons dating back to 1950

Pandas Integration

All data returns as extended Pandas DataFrames with custom methods for F1-specific operations

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Data Sources

FastF1 aggregates data from multiple sources:
  • F1 Live Timing: Real-time and historical timing data from Formula 1’s official timing system (2018-present)
  • Ergast API: Comprehensive historical F1 data via the jolpica-f1 API
  • MultiViewer API: Additional telemetry and session metadata

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Use Cases

FastF1 is ideal for:
  • Race Analysis: Compare driver performance, analyze strategies, and identify performance trends
  • Data Visualization: Create compelling charts and graphics with built-in Matplotlib integration
  • Statistical Research: Conduct quantitative analysis of F1 performance data
  • Machine Learning: Build predictive models using historical telemetry and results

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Performance & Caching

FastF1 implements a two-stage caching system that significantly speeds up data loading and prevents API rate limit issues. Enabling cache is strongly recommended for all use cases.
The cache system stores:
  • Stage 1: Raw HTTP requests in a SQLite database
  • Stage 2: Parsed Python objects as pickle files
Cached requests don’t count towards API rate limits, making your scripts faster and more reliable.

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Python Version Support

FastF1 requires Python 3.10 or higher and is tested on:
  • Python 3.10
  • Python 3.11
  • Python 3.12
  • Python 3.13
  • Python 3.14

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Next Steps

Installation

Install FastF1 via pip or conda

Quickstart

Get started with a complete example
FastF1 is an unofficial package and is not associated with Formula 1 companies. F1, FORMULA ONE, FORMULA 1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing B.V.