What Is a Sector in F1 Timing?

A sector is one of three equal sections into which every Formula 1 circuit is divided for timing purposes. Every lap is split into Sector 1, Sector 2, and Sector 3. Teams and broadcasters use sector times to analyse exactly where a driver is gaining or losing time compared to rivals, and to understand which part of the circuit a car is stronger or weaker on. A driver’s overall lap time is simply the total of their three sector times. Sectors are also used to display purple and green timing highlights.

Example: He’s lost over three tenths to his teammate in sector two — there’s clearly something wrong with the car in that middle section.