Sparks Fly on F1 Racetracks

In 2015, a change in Formula One racing regulations brought titanium skid blocks back to the cars, in turn bringing about the return of the occasional bright rooster tail of sparks on the track. The rule was mostly changed for safety reasons, but also to reintroduce some visual aesthetics—the sparks can be beautiful. According to a story by the BBC, some drivers love the sparks not just for the spectacle, but also because they can create a distraction to drivers behind them, even making burn marks in their visors. For the past few years, sports photographers have been having fun with these showers of light and fast-moving vehicles, and I thought I’d share some of my favorite shots here today.

Read more
Hints: View this page full screen. Skip to the next and previous photo by typing j/k or ←/→.

Most Recent

  • Fernando Vergara / AP
    • In Focus
    • May 4, 2021
    • 27 Photos

    Photos: Deadly Protests Across Colombia

    For several days now, people across the country have voiced their anger in large demonstrations.

  • Alexander Nemenov / AFP / Getty
    • In Focus
    • April 30, 2021
    • 35 Photos

    Photos of the Week: Desert Highway, Launch Symphony, Mermaid Show

    A life-sized Gundam statue in China, the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak in India, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Portugal, a Lego New York City, and much more

  • NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center / SDO
    • In Focus
    • April 29, 2021
    • 26 Photos

    Scenes From Off-World

    A recent photo album of our solar system—a set of family portraits—as seen by our astronauts and mechanical emissaries

  • Dan Kitwood / Getty
    • In Focus
    • April 27, 2021
    • 18 Photos

    The Parakeets of London

    The Greater London area is home to thousands of parakeets, an invasive species that appears to be thriving in its new urban setting.

Most Popular on The Atlantic

  1. The Liberals Who Can’t Quit Lockdown
  2. Elon Musk Is Maybe, Actually, Strangely, Going to Do This Mars Thing
  3. 6 Questions for the Boss Who Wants You Back in Your Cubicle
  4. The Gates Divorce Is About More Than a Marriage
  5. Scientific Publishing Is a Joke
  6. How Adult Children Affect Their Mother’s Happiness
  7. How Marriage and College Switched Places
  8. Millions Are Saying No to the Vaccines. What Are They Thinking?
  9. Burn All the Leggings
  10. Cicadas Have an Existential Problem
Back to Top