f1-agws · f1 guide
How to Read the F1 Speed Delta
The Speed Delta compares the speed of two laps across 100% of the circuit. If you know how to read the sign and shape of the chart, you can immediately identify where a real advantage is built.
Basic sign rule
- Value above zero: the selected driver is faster than the reference at that point.
- Value below zero: the selected driver is slower than the reference.
- Zero means balance: the same local speed level.
How to interpret peaks
- Positive peak on a straight: better exit from the previous corner or less drag.
- Negative peak under braking: earlier braking point or less effective deceleration.
- Very tight oscillations may be sampling noise, not always a real advantage.
Practical method in 4 steps
- Start from the zone where the delta changes direction sharply.
- Check Speed + Throttle + Brake over the same percentage section.
- Verify the Track Overlay: the track position must confirm the signal.
- Validate across multiple comparable laps (same tyre/stint), not a single outlier.
Frequently asked questions
What is the F1 speed delta?
The speed delta compares the speed of two laps across the whole circuit, showing where one driver is faster or slower than the reference lap.
What does a positive speed delta mean?
A value above zero means the selected driver is faster than the reference at that point of the lap; a value below zero means slower.
How do you find where a lap time gap is built?
Start where the delta changes direction sharply, then check speed, throttle and brake over the same section and confirm it on the track overlay.
Related F1 guides
- Flags and Race Control: Operational Meaning
- Live Track Map Guide
- F1 Mini Sectors: Practical Guide
- F1 Telemetry Glossary
- What changed in the 2026 F1 Sporting Regulations: Issue 05 to Issue 06
- How to Read F1 Live Telemetry
- How to Read the F1 Timing Tower
Put this into practice on the live timing dashboard — open the telemetry view, browse all F1 guides or the F1 glossary.