f1-cli — Formula 1 Data CLI

A Go CLI wrapping the OpenF1 API for querying F1 telemetry, timing, and session data.

Installation

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Or from source:
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The binary name is f1.

Quick Reference

Global Flags (apply to all commands)

Commands → API Endpoints

Usage Patterns

Finding the right session

Most commands need --session. Start with latest for the most recent session, or find a specific one:

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Driver identification

The --driver flag accepts either a number or a 3-letter acronym. The CLI resolves acronyms automatically via the API.

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Common driver acronyms: VER (Verstappen), NOR (Norris), HAM (Hamilton), LEC (Leclerc), PIA (Piastri), SAI (Sainz), RUS (Russell), ALO (Alonso).

Filtering with comparison operators

The --filter flag passes raw query params to the API. Supports >=, <=, >, < operators. Can be repeated.

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Output formats

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Common Workflows

"Who won the last race?"

# Always use standings for final race results
f1 standings drivers --session latest

"Compare two drivers' lap times"

"What happened during the race?" (incidents, flags)

"Tire strategy breakdown"

"Weather conditions during the session"

"Fastest pit stops"

Important Gotchas

• - --limit is client-side only. The OpenF1 API does not support a limit query parameter. The CLI fetches all results then truncates locally. This means large telemetry/location queries still hit the API fully — use --filter to narrow server-side when possible.
• --filter is server-side. Filters like speed>=300 are sent to the API and reduce the response. Always prefer --filter over --limit for performance.
• positions is a time series, not a result. It records every position change during a session. To get final race results, use f1 standings drivers --session <key>, not f1 positions. Using positions --limit N gives you lap 1 grid order, not the finish.
• Driver numbers change between seasons. Don't hardcode driver numbers — use acronyms (VER, HAM, NOR) which the CLI resolves automatically per session.
• Norris is now #1. For the 2026 season, Lando Norris drives car #1 (as reigning champion). Verstappen is #3.

API Notes

• - Data availability: Historical data from 2023 season onwards. No auth needed.
• Rate limits: 3 requests/second, 30 requests/minute (free tier). The CLI handles rate limiting internally with retry on 429.
• latest keyword: Works for both --session and --meeting to get the most recent.
• Intervals and overtakes: Only available during race sessions, not practice or qualifying.
• Championship standings: Only available for race sessions.
• Telemetry and location: High-frequency data (~3.7 Hz) — use --filter to narrow results server-side, then --limit to cap output.
• Off-season: --session latest returns 404 when no sessions exist. Use a known session_key from a past season instead.