Why is there such a difference between good and bad cars in F1?

I just watched the Monaco Grand Prix and the top 4 finishers crossed the checkered flag in the same position they started. There only ended up being 3 cars on the lead lap and Alonso and Hamilton left everybody else in the dust. What should I be watching for to try to "get into" F1 racing? I'm NOT trying to be condescending, what subtlties and nuances should I try to pay attention to to make viewing the races more interesting?|||Well if your new to the sport don't look for much on the track passing! Anyone who has watched F1 over the last 15 years or so can tell you it is a lot of follow the leader.





The best chance to pass is during pitstops, usually one car will stay out a lap or two longer and pass the car by going fast.





The gap between top teams has been there forever. Rarely are there more than 3 or 4 cars that could possibly win. (of course others will win but strange things need to happen!) Ferrrari and McLaren should win every race, they have the best cars with the best drivers. It goes and goes in cycles, last year Renault (with Alanso) was a powerful team and McLaren was probably 3rd best.





To appreciate the sport you need to appreciate the cars for what they are, incredibly engineered machines. Capable of acceleration and braking in distances that are rediculous!|||It has a lot to do with money.





Teams with the most money can do a lot of R%26amp;D...


and hire the best drivers...


and have the most spare parts.|||It isn't just the money you know. Because if that were the case Toyota would be leading the constructors championship. Its about the total package. In Monaco for example its about downforce, fuel load, tyres, grip and how fast the cars get around the corners. So its all about the set up of the car. Each car is specifically tuned to the characteristics of the circuit and driver. Monaco is a circuit that requires precision. Since its bumpy, tight and twisty. But mostly about your qualifying position since the circuit is so narrow its almost impossible to overtake.|||the bad teams don't have the money to keep up with the good teams that hve more money and can afford better upgrades