Every driver starts at 1500. After each race or sprint, their rating shifts across five components: how they finished against the full field, how they qualified against the field, and two head-to-head battles with their teammate (race and qualifying). A car adjustment accounts for machinery: drivers in top constructors need higher finishes to gain rating. Any retirement (DNF, RET, DSQ) carries a flat −5 penalty regardless of cause.
F2 graduates into F1 carry forward a converted starting ELO: 1500 + (F2 final − 1500) × 20%. Between F2 seasons, ratings regress 50% toward 1500 so veterans who struggled in one season aren't permanently disadvantaged against fresh starters. F2 alumni remain on the F2 chart permanently, even after moving to F1.