F1 101: What Do You Need to Know About Formula 1?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There’s an old saying about Formula 1. “If you want to be a millionaire in F1, start as a billionaire.” It’s true, the sport is a playground for the hyper-rich, sprinkled with the odd ever-inspiring Cinderella story. However, the pinnacle of motorsport is more than that. It is an incredibly complex and nuanced race series, and one of the most dangerous. There’s a lot to learn if you want to be an F1 fan-boy or girl. Drivers and teams, terminology, and time differences. So, it’s time to learn a little bit of that, and make enjoying Formula 1 all the more Formula-fun.

Formula 1 terminology

Lance Stroll driving his Aston Martin Formula 1 car | Clive Rose via Getty Images

There’s a lot to cover here, so for the sake of brevity, we’ll focus on things you’ll hear during a race. The first and most important is “DRS”. This stands for “drag reduction system”. Like in the photo above, on the rear wing of the Formula 1 car, a flap opens that lets drivers get a little burst of speed down a straight when they are within 1 second of the car in front. Next: “Safety Car”. This term is used when an incident occurs on track and the race must be slowed. A car pulls out in front of the drivers, forcing them to keep a slower pace with it. There is also a virtual safety car where drivers must stay under a specified lap time, thus slowing them down.

Finally, it’s time to discuss flags. There’s really only two to worry about here. First, a “blue flag”. If a driver receives a blue flag, he must let the car behind through, because it is noticeably faster than he. The second occurred last weekend in Azerbaijan. A “red flag” occurs when the race, practice, or qualifying session must be stopped for any reason and tells Formula 1 drivers to return to the pit lane. Armed with this terminology, your first race weekend should be a breeze.

The Tom Brady of F1

Lewis Hamilton's black and green Mercedes Formula 1 car in Azerbaijan
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes Formula 1 car | Francois Nel via Getty Images

Now it’s time to talk about some of the names you’ll hear. Again, we’ll just focus on the most common ones. First up is Lewis Hamilton, the driver for Mercedes Formula 1 team. Each time has two drivers, and their second is Valtteri Bottas. Lewis is the reigning champ, with seven titles under his belt. Moving down the line to Red Bull; whose primary driver is Max Verstappen, followed by Sergio “Checo” Perez.

Max is the current challenger to Lewis, due not only to his talent, but also the technical improvements that Red Bull have made in the last year. There are 20 other drivers and ten teams. Each team has its own unique car, within the rules of course. The best way to learn more about each of the teams and drivers are their social media accounts, but you’ll learn more as you watch.

How to watch F1

Formula 1's Yuki Tsunoda mid-corner
Yuki Tsunoda’s Alpha Tauri F1 car | Francois Nel via Getty Images

Speaking of watching, there’s really only one way to do it. Yes, some races will be shown on TV in America, but who has cable these days? The global setting of Formula 1 also means it’ll be hard to catch any race outside of North America live. As of now, the best way is to watch via the F1TV subscription. It’s $9.99 a month. Formula 1 is a fantastic sport, with drivers racing for millisecond advantages across a three-day race weekend. Go out and watch some, all you have to lose is a Sunday afternoon.

RELATED: Formula 1: Miami Grand Prix Will Have 19 Turns

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Is This the Best Used Ferrari You Can Buy Under $50,000?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For most of us, the idea of owning a Ferrari seems like a far-fetched dream. For example, the cheapest brand-new Ferrari you can buy, the Roma, has a base price of over $220,000. Even if you look at the used market, you might struggle to find a well-kept example well below the $100,000 mark. In an attempt to help this pursuit, we’ll be looking at the type of car you can expect to buy for less than $50,000.

It’s called the Mondial, and it was first introduced in the 1980 model year. Regardless of whether you opt for the coupe or the convertible, you’re still getting a naturally-aspirated V8 out of the famous Dino of the 1970s. According to Hagerty, it’s the cheapest prancing horse that should be on your radar.

Can you buy a good used Ferrari for under $50,000?

1987 Ferrari Mondial | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

While the Mondial certainly isn’t the only Ferrari you can buy for less than $50,000, it might be the only one you might actually want to own. That’s because, at this price point, you’re likely looking at more valuable models with higher mileage or shady maintenance histories. However, in the case of the Mondial, $50,000 is more than enough for a good example.

As Hagerty reports, the Mondial was designed to be a global model accessible to slightly less affluent buyers. While famous design house Pininfarina designed its bodywork, this car’s somewhat unusual appearance comes from being a mid-engined car with four seats. As a result, it was 11 in longer, 3.1 in wider, and 1.6 in taller than the GT4 of the 1970s.

Today this presents a massive upside to this aging Ferrari. That’s because it isn’t cramped and tiny as other 1980s sports cars. Additionally, Hagerty reports that you get excellent visibility and rear seats you can actually use. As a result, this might not only be affordable but approachable and manageable as well.

Here’s how the Mondial stacks up

As mentioned in the intro, the Ferrari Mondial still features a thoroughbred V8 in the middle and drive going exclusively to its rear wheels. However, you’ll want to skip the 3.0-liter engine for the 3.2-liter version if you want any semblance of power. According to Hagerty, when the Mondial was new, it could reach 60 mph in around nine seconds and top out at 130 mph.

If you want an oddball version of this Ferrari, then you’ll want the Mondial T. The “T” in its name refers to its transversally mounted transmission. While previous models had both the engine and transmission mounted transversely, the T’s engine was mounted longitudinally, effectively forming the shape of a T. Additionally, the engine’s displacement grew to 3.4-liters totaling around 300 hp.

This Ferrari was good enough for the Pope

An image of a Ferrari Mondial with the Pope standing on it.
Ferrari Mondial | API/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

RELATED: Fire Kills $3 Million Ferrari LaFerrari and Ultra-Rare Car Collection

If the Ferrari Mondial’s subtle good looks and ample spacious interior aren’t enough to convince, this Italian sports car was good enough for Pope John Paul II. In fact, this was the car of choice to drive the Pope around as he toured the Italian carmaker’s factory back in the late 1980s. So aside from saying you own a Ferrari, you can say you own the only one ever ridden in by a Pope.

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Cardening 101: Tips for Creating a Garden in Your Car

by Gabrielle DeSantis

A craze is sweeping the car community, and it has nothing to do with horsepower, infotainment, or fuel-efficiency. As the pandemic left people looking for ways to pass the time, some took up a different kind of gardening. Enter “cardening.” This fad has people using their cars‘ interiors to plant gardens, and it’s drawn some attention in recent months.

So, how can you start a car garden, and what are its benefits?

What is cardening? 

The basic concept behind cardening is in the name. According to The Guardian, the name is a new creation, although some obscure references popped up as early as 2007. In fact, the concept of car gardens goes back nearly as long as cars do. On the Smithsonian Gardens blog, the educational gardening community noted that some people planted gardens in their cars not to be efficient but to mask odors. 

Furthermore, the Volkswagen Beetle included vase options to certify its status as the official car of the flower power generation. With a history going back nearly as far as Henry Ford’s invention, the new iteration is the most functional yet. So whether someone is a gardening hobbyist or wants to try a new pastime, there are valid reasons behind gardening. 

Gardening may have had its biggest year of the 21st century in 2020. With everyone building sourdough starters and learning how to knit, bartend, draw, paint, or anything else to decompress during the pandemic, cardening was one of the fascinating inventions. However, just because it’s strange and different doesn’t mean it lacks practical use. 

Why you should try it

Evoke notes how cardening can make your car a unique reflection of you. However, there are scientific benefits to gardening. Plants are known to purify the air and absorb harmful toxins. As such, even a tiny car garden can make your car a healthier environment. Furthermore, the therapeutic nature of plants reduces stress and promotes attentiveness. 

People have gotten creative with cardening. Some have hung glass bulbs of plants from their rear-view mirrors (check the legality of that in your home state). Others have used their car’s cupholders and other crevices as gardening troughs. 

If you’re interested in making your car smell great and promoting a healthy environment, check out these cardening basics to ensure your hobby is safe and legal. 

Tips and tricks for creating a lush car garden

First off, carefully choose the plants you want to grow in your car, THV notes. Some thrive in the open air, while others grow better in more controlled environments. Make sure you use houseplants for the best results. From cacti to air plants, succulents, palms, and snake plants, varieties that are neither delicate nor need constant attention will grow best in cars, Wales Online notes. 

Furthermore, the above types of plants don’t need constant watering, so they don’t require much extra work each day before you drive off to work.

Also, choose the right area in your car to grow your garden. For example, concave dashboards work great for plants in need of direct sunlight. Or you could use your car doors or build a custom setup in the rear window. Whatever you decide, the key to a successful car garden is using your vehicle’s design to your advantage. After all, what works in an SUV might not work in a vintage VW Bug. 

Finally, be sure to look up safety regulations in your area to ensure you won’t get a ticket for a misplaced cactus or, worse, a planter that becomes a projectile in a crash.

RELATED: Do You Need to Warm Up Your Car Before Driving It?

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Does Insurance Cover Wheelchair Lifts for Vehicles?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Insurance policies can be complex and confusing, often changing from year to year. If you’re looking to purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or modify your own to accommodate a wheelchair lift, you might wonder if your insurance will cover it. Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining a wheelchair lift for your vehicle.

Will your insurance cover a wheelchair lift?

BraunAbility says Medicare covers about 8 million people under the age of 65 with disabilities. As such, it’s common for people to ask if Medicare will cover a wheelchair lift for their vehicle. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Medicare has many exceptions, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are one of them. 

This doesn’t apply to only Medicare, either. According to Southern Bus & Mobility, auto insurance will never help pay for a new vehicle purchase. And though health insurance providers will likely cover the cost of the wheelchair, they won’t pay for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or wheelchair lifts. 

General costs of wheelchair lifts for pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans

The cost of adding a wheelchair lift to a pickup truck, SUV, or minivan can vary widely. However, according to Mobility Express, you can expect to pay around $30,000 for this modification alone. Vehicles authorized for this type of conversion include the Dodge Grand Caravan, Ford Explorer, and Honda Odyssey. 

In addition to choosing the best vehicle, some other decisions can affect the final price of your wheelchair lift. For example, rear-entry ramps are typically more affordable because they’re almost always manual. Side-entry ramps are available in both manual and power options. Power ramps are more expensive but are necessary if you’ll be the one driving the vehicle. 

The vehicle’s flooring is another factor that can influence the price. Carpeting is cheaper but has downsides. Rubber flooring has a much better grip and is easier to clean, but it’s pricier. 

According to Mobility Express, one of the most important steps you can take is working with a conversion company that offers good warranties and national service. This may be more expensive upfront, but it can save time and frustration in the future if you’re traveling and have a problem with your vehicle.

How to find funding for these modifications

Though opting for a manual ramp or carpeted flooring can slightly reduce the cost of a wheelchair lift, these modifications are still expensive. Fortunately, although your insurance will not assist, BraunAbility notes a wide range of national and local funding options. National resources include the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation (offers grants of up to $10,000), Muscular Dystrophy Association (donates used vehicles), and Brighter Tomorrow Grant (offers awards up to $1,000).

Another excellent resource is Help HOPE Live. In addition to providing safe opportunities for you to raise funds for your vehicle, this organization offers expert advice and can provide assistance grants in an emergency.

Additionally, almost every auto manufacturer offers mobility rebates, BraunAbility reports. They include the Ford Mobility Program, Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program, and Toyota Mobility Assistance Program. All offer reimbursements of up to $1,000. BraunAbility itself also accepts trade-ins, even if your vehicle is unconverted.

Wheelchair lifts are a big but sometimes necessary expense. Though your insurer might not assist you, many funding options can help you or your loved one set up a fully accessible vehicle.

RELATED: Your Car Insurance Could Cost More if You Don’t Have a College Degree or You Work a Blue-Collar Job, Study Shows

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