F1 Reaction Test
Five red lights come on, then go out. Click the moment they go out. Go early and it's a jump start.
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How the F1 start works
A Formula 1 race starts from a gantry of five red lights above the grid. They come on one at a time, one second apart. Once all five are lit, there's a short random pause, and when all the lights go out the race is on. Because the pause is random, drivers can't time it; they have to react.
This test copies that sequence. The lights come on once a second, then stay lit for a random 0.2 to 3 seconds. The timer starts on the frame where the lights go out and stops the instant your click, tap or key press arrives. Click while any light is still on and it's a jump start.
How fast are F1 drivers?
F1 drivers are usually quoted at around 0.2 seconds (200 ms) from lights out, with the best starts a little quicker. Their figure is measured from the lights to the car moving, so it isn't exactly the same as a mouse click, but it's a good target. Your time here also includes your mouse or touchscreen and your display, which typically add 10 to 50 ms.
| Your time | Rating |
|---|---|
| 180 ms or less | Pole position |
| 181–220 ms | F1 driver pace |
| 221–260 ms | Points finish |
| 261–310 ms | Midfield |
| 311–380 ms | Back of the grid |
| Over 380 ms | Stalled on the grid |
Anything under 100 ms is quicker than a human can see a signal and move, so it's treated as a lucky guess and doesn't count.
Tips for a faster start
- Don't count the pause. It's random every time. Trying to time it leads to jump starts.
- Watch all five lights, not one. Relax your eyes on the gantry so you see them all go out at once.
- Rest your finger on the button. A light, ready finger makes the click a tiny movement.
- Use a fast screen and mouse. A 144 Hz or faster monitor shows lights out sooner than a 60 Hz one. Check yours with the refresh rate test.
For a test averaged over five rounds, with sound and go/no-go modes, try the reaction time test.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the pause before lights out in F1?
It's random, so drivers can't anticipate it. This test uses a random pause of 0.2 to 3 seconds after the fifth light comes on.
What is a good F1 reaction time?
Around 200 ms puts you at F1 driver pace on this test. Most people land between 220 and 300 ms on a computer, and a little slower on a phone.
What counts as a jump start?
Clicking while any red light is still on. In a real race a jump start earns a penalty; here it just counts against you in the Jump starts box.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. Tap the lights to start and tap again when they go out. Touchscreens add a little delay, so compare phone times with phone times.
Where is my personal best stored?
In your browser on this device only. It's never uploaded.