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Like the majority of motorsport series, Formula 1 is full of jargon and technical terms.
After any given Grand Prix, a classification sheet will typically be available, which breaks down the status of every driver.
The Sporting News takes a look at the key terms used when it comes to post-race classification.
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What does DNF mean in F1?
The acronym DNF stands for “Did Not Finish”.
As the name suggests, it simply means that a driver failed to complete a race in which they started.
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This can be down to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
- Mechanical faults – e.g. engine or gearbox failure
- Damage – e.g. tire puncture, wing damage
- Electrical issues – e.g. steering wheel failure
If a driver is made to retire from a race, that is also considered a DNF.
What does DSQ mean in F1?
DSQ indicates that a driver has been disqualified.
Disqualifications are typically handed down following breaches of the FIA’s technical regulations.
Most recently, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were disqualified following the 2023 United States Grand Prix in Austin. Both drivers were found to have excessive wear on the underfloor planks, which are in place to stop teams from running cars too low to the ground.
In another example, Sebastian Vettel was disqualified from the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix when his team, Aston Martin, failed to provide the required fuel sample after the race.
Drivers can also receive disqualifications for serious on-track breaches if a time penalty or similar punishment is not considered sufficient.
What does DNS mean in F1?
In F1, DNS is an acronym for “Did Not Start”.
You have to be in it to win it, so a DNS classification is a cruel blow to any driver.
For example, pre-race mechanical issues with a car will result in a driver being unable to compete.
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DNS classifications aren’t exactly uncommon, but a particularly cruel case was Leclerc in 2021.
The Ferrari star qualified on pole position for his home Grand Prix in Monaco, however, mechanical problems with his car saw him sit the race out.
What does DNQ mean in F1?
DNQ means “Did Not Qualify”, and is one of the lesser-known classifications in motorsport.
In any given qualifying session, every driver must record a lap time within 107 per cent of the fastest driver’s time.
If they fail to do so, they will not qualify for the main race.
Exceptions are made if a driver sets satisfactory lap times in a practice session.
The rule also does not apply to wet qualifying sessions.
What does NC mean in F1?
NC indicates that a driver is “Not Classified”.
To be eligible for points, drivers need to be classified following a race.
They will achieve classification by completing 90 per cent of the race.
Most drivers who DNF will also be deemed as NC unless their retirement occurs in the final 10 per cent of the race.
This may seem unnecessary, but in rare instances where less than 10 drivers finish the race – like the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix – points will be awarded to those who are classified.