F1 Reaction Time Test
Five red lights illuminate one by one. When they all go out, react as fast as you can. Complete five valid starts to see your median, best launch, consistency and false starts.
5 valid starts
Device-aware context
Challenge friendsF1 reaction history
Track your own baseline on the same device. History stays in this browser.
Complete five valid starts to begin your history.
| Date | Median | Best | Consistency | False starts |
|---|
What the FIA rules actually say
For a standing start, the 2026 FIA Sporting Regulations specify five red lights. They illuminate sequentially at one-second intervals. After the fifth light is on, the start signal is given when all five red lights are extinguished.
The regulations say the delay after the fifth light is at the permanent starter's discretion. They do not publish a fixed official random-delay range.
Source: FIA Formula One regulations, Sporting Regulations B5.7.
What this browser test simulates
ReactionMetric keeps the one-second light sequence, then uses its own randomized 0.2–3.0 second hold before lights out. That range is a simulation choice designed to make anticipation harder; it is not presented as an FIA-mandated range.
Clicking before lights out is recorded as a false start and the attempt is replayed. Five valid post-signal starts make one session.
How fast do F1 drivers react?
Formula 1's own race-start explainer says drivers launch their cars, on average, about 0.2 seconds after the lights go out. That is useful context, but it is not the same measurement as a browser click.
An actual F1 launch includes clutch release, throttle control, tyre grip, car systems and FIA timing. This page measures only the browser-observed delay from our lights-out frame to your click, tap or key press.
Context: Formula 1 race-start explainer.
A repeatable 210 ms median on one setup is more meaningful than a single 160 ms click on another. Display refresh and input latency are inside every browser score.
One launch can be lucky
A five-start session separates repeatable speed from one guessed lights-out. ReactionMetric uses the median as the headline result and also reports your best start and consistency.
F1 reaction test FAQ
How many lights are used at an F1 start?
Five red lights are used for a standing start. Under the 2026 FIA Sporting Regulations they illuminate sequentially one second apart, then all go out to signal the start.
Is the lights-out delay always the same?
No. FIA rules leave the interval after the fifth light to the permanent starter's discretion. This browser simulator uses its own randomized hold so you cannot reliably count down to lights out.
What counts as a false start here?
Any click, tap or Space press before lights out is a false start and does not count toward the five valid attempts.
Is 200 ms an F1-driver reaction time?
Formula 1 has reported an average launch around 0.2 seconds after lights out, but an actual race launch is not directly comparable with a browser click. Use that figure as context, not as an apples-to-apples benchmark.
Is this official Formula 1 or FIA timing?
No. ReactionMetric is an independent browser tool and is not affiliated with Formula 1 or the FIA. Formula 1 and F1 are trademarks of their respective owner.