I'm not positive, but I think in F1 you're racing against the clock, not against other cars. You're going for the fastest possible lap time, not first place in the race.
That's how it is when I track my car, and I'm grateful for it. Passing is dangerous, it's frustrating when you get stuck behind someone that's slow but that's what straightaways are for. I only see people pass on corners if it's a massive difference in car ability, which doesn't exist in F1. The rest of the time it's dangerous stuff that I've seen people thrown out for. That being said, most people are courteous and will let you pass them by taking a wide outside line (I do that when people in Porsche Turbos ride my ass) but in F1 where every millisecond counts I don't see that happening.
In F1 the only time you race against the clock is when you qualify. the winner of the race is determined by who finishes all the leps before everyone else.
Edit: Ok so after reading the rest of the topic I've noticed something.
Some people here (looking at you bisjac) are saying that racing can barely be considered a sport. Keep in mind, racing as hard as actual racers do for as long as they do requires you to be fit. And no, it isn't impossible for a fatass to be in shape.
If you look at any NASCAR drivers after a race you will notice that they are usually drenched in sweat and out of breath. Not only is it the physical challenge of enduring the high temperatures in the cabin of the car, its also how hard you have to think.
The problem is 99% of the people in this topic have never actually raced a real car against other people in real life, and therefore don't know the mental and physical stress you go through when you race irl. Go carts don't count, unless they are REALLY fast.
