The F1 dictionary: S

Safety Car, The

The svelte Mercedes-AMG GT S that is dispatched from the pitlane by race control at irregular intervals during a grand prix to control the pace of the field due to a crash, debris, sudden tropical downpour or, at certain races in the past, a crazed track protester. Its appearance can often inadvertently enliven boring races, as Nelson Piquet Jr aptly demonstrated in Singapore in 2008.

Sainz, Carlos

The son of the rallying legend Carlos Snr who made his F1 debut with Toro Rosso in 2015 and, rather like Indiana Jones, doesn't like being called Junior. Will continue as Max Verstappen's team-mate in 2016.

Sandbagging

The age-old term often used in testing or Friday Practice to describe a team who, rivals suspect, are running heavier on fuel in order to mask their car's true pace.

Sauber

The Peter Sauber-founded Swiss team that have competed in F1 since 1993. Bought by BMW in 2006 before being sold back to Sauber in 2010. See also: BMW.

Schumacher, Michael

Seven-times world champion and two-times retiree, but still the most successful driver in F1 history despite a largely unsuccessful return to the sport with Mercedes for three years between 2010 and 2012. Currently facing a long road to recovery from a life-threatening skiing accident in December 2013. See also: Ferrari; Mercedes.

Schumacher, Ralf

Eli Manning/Mike Winters/Harpo Marx/Paul Ross to Michael's Peyton/Bernie/Groucho/Jonathan. Won six races between 1997 and 2006 and appeared a genuine title contender for the best part of a week in the summer of 2003.

Scheckter, Jody

Acclaimed organic farmer who also became South Africa's only F1 champion in 1979 with Ferrari.

Scrutineering

The checks carried out by FIA-appointed officials ahead of a grand prix weekend to ensure cars comply with the necessary technical regulations. See also: Parc ferme.

Scuderia Toro Rosso

Red-Bull owned Italian team formerly known as Minardi. Won against the odds with Sebastian Vettel at Monza in 2008. Scuderia, in case you were also wondering, is the Italian for 'stable'.

Sectors

The three sections a lap of a grand prix circuit is intangibly split into for timing purposes.

Senna, Ayrton

Charismatic three-times world champion - in 1988, 1990 and 1991 - whose skill was matched by a dedication that, at times, seemed almost unnervingly intense. Won all of his titles at McLaren, where his rivalry with Alain Prost reached new levels of toxicity. Joined Williams in 1994 but was killed in an accident at Imola in May of that year. See also: Senna, The Movie.

Senna

The documentary-movie charting the life and motorsport career of Ayrton. 

Senna, Bruno

Nephew of Ayrton who was dropped by Williams after a sporadic start to his F1 career with HRT and Renault. Only started racing full-time in 2005 aged 21, having previously been forbidden from doing so by his family following the death of his uncle. Now a Sky F1 pundit. See also: Senna, Ayrton.

Sidepod

The aerodynamic feature situated between the rear and front wheels.

Silverstone

The 'Home of British Motorsport'. First staged the British Grand Prix in 1948 and, after alternating with Aintree and then Brands Hatch, became the outright host in 1987. Became a target of Bernie Ecclestone's ire after the ill-fated decision to stage 2000 race in April, bringing Somme-style conditions for mud-caked fans, but redevelopment