---
title: "Quickstart"
icon: "rocket"
description: "Start analyzing F1 data in less than 30 seconds"
keywords:
  - "tif1 quickstart"
  - "F1 data quick start"
  - "load F1 session"
  - "Formula 1 API"
  - "telemetry data"
---

## 1. Load a Session

A session is the entry point for all data in `tif1`. You specify the year, the Grand Prix, and the session type.

```python
import tif1

# Get the 2025 abu dhabi grand prix race session
session = tif1.get_session(2025, "Abu Dhabi Grand Prix", "Race")
```python

## 2. Access Lap Data

The first time you access `.laps`, `tif1` fetches the data in parallel. Subsequent calls are instant due to the caching layer.

```python
# Load all laps
laps = session.laps

# View driver information
print(session.drivers_df[["Driver", "Team", "DriverNumber"]])

# Get the top 5 fastest laps in the session
fastest_5 = laps.nsmallest(5, "LapTime")
print(fastest_5[["Driver", "LapTime", "Compound"]])
```python

## 3. analyze a specific driver

You can easily drill down into data for a specific driver using their 3-letter code.

```python
# Get driver data for Max Verstappen
ver = session.get_driver("VER")

# Get his fastest lap
fastest_lap = ver.get_fastest_lap()
print(f"Max's fastest lap: {fastest_lap['LapTime'].iloc[0]:.3f}s")
```python

## 4. deep dive into telemetry

Telemetry provides high-frequency data (Speed, RPM, Throttle, etc.) for every moment of a lap.

```python
# Get telemetry for lap 19
lap_19 = ver.get_lap(19)
telemetry = lap_19.telemetry

# Check his top speed on that lap
top_speed = telemetry["Speed"].max()
print(f"Top Speed on Lap 19: {top_speed} km/h")
```python

## 5. list available data

Not sure what events or sessions are available? Use the helper functions.

```python
# List all GPs in 2025
events = tif1.get_events(2025)

# List all sessions for a GP
sessions = tif1.get_sessions(2025, "British Grand Prix")
# ['Practice 1', 'Practice 2', 'Practice 3', 'Qualifying', 'Race']
```python

## Pro Tip: Speed it up!

If you're loading data for the first time, use `laps_async()` to fetch all drivers' data simultaneously:

```python
import asyncio

async def main():
    session = tif1.get_session(2025, "Monaco Grand Prix", "Race")
    laps = await session.laps_async()
    print(f"Loaded {len(laps)} laps")

asyncio.run(main())
```python

<Card title="Learn More" icon="lightbulb" href="/tutorials/race-pace-analysis">
  Check out our tutorials for more advanced analysis examples.
</Card>

---

## Related Pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Getting Started" href="/getting-started">
    Comprehensive guide
  </Card>
  <Card title="Examples" href="/examples">
    More code examples
  </Card>
  <Card title="API Reference" href="/api-reference/core">
    Core API details
  </Card>
  <Card title="Tutorials" href="/tutorials/race-analysis">
    Detailed tutorials
  </Card>
</CardGroup>
