Sector

A sector is a designated segment or section of a race track that is used to measure and compare driver performance at different points during a lap.

Think of a race track like a pizza cut into slices. Instead of driving around the entire circuit and only knowing the total lap time, the track is divided into smaller pieces called sectors. This division allows teams, drivers, and fans to see exactly where on the track a driver is fast or slow, rather than just looking at one overall time.

Most Formula 1 circuits are divided into three sectors, though other racing series may use different numbers. Each sector ends at a specific timing point on the track where electronic systems record how long it took the driver to complete that section. These sector times are then displayed on timing screens and television broadcasts, giving everyone detailed information about each driver's performance.

During qualifying sessions and races, sector times become especially important. As drivers complete each section of track, their sector time is compared both to their own previous attempts and to other drivers' times. This comparison happens in real-time, providing instant feedback about performance.

The color-coding system used in motorsport makes sector times easy to understand at a glance. A purple sector time means the driver just set the fastest time in that section compared to everyone else in the session—it's the absolute best. A green sector time indicates the driver's personal best in that section, meaning they're improving their own performance. A yellow sector time shows the driver was slower than their own previous best in that section.

Teams use sector data extensively to improve car performance. If a driver consistently loses time in a particular sector, engineers can analyze what type of corners or straights are in that section. For example, if sector one contains mostly high-speed corners and the driver is slow there, the team might adjust the car's aerodynamic setup to generate more downforce.

Commentators frequently reference sector times during broadcasts. You might hear phrases like "she's purple in sectors one and two," meaning the driver has set the fastest times in those two sections. This information builds excitement because viewers can predict whether a driver might set the fastest overall lap before they even cross the finish line.

Understanding sector times also helps explain why a driver might not achieve the fastest lap even when they're very quick. A driver could set purple times in two sectors but make a mistake in the third sector, resulting in a yellow time that ruins their overall lap. Conversely, a driver might piece together three green sectors—not the absolute fastest in any section, but consistently strong—to achieve an excellent overall lap time.