The TT is Back and I'm Already Terrified (In the Best Way)

By Lewis Barnett 2 June, 2025 7 mins read 236 Views

Listen. I've been covering motorsports for eight years now, and nothing—absolutely nothing—gets my heart racing like TT week.

The Isle of Man TT kicked off this week and honestly? I'm sitting here at 2am scrolling through qualifying footage like some kind of adrenaline junkie. These absolute madmen are throwing their bikes around country roads at speeds that would make most people soil themselves. We're talking 130mph through villages where your nan might be hanging laundry.

And yes, before you ask—this is the same race that's killed 270 people since 1907. The math is brutal. But somehow, that danger is exactly what makes it the most authentic racing left on the planet.

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Michael Dunlop is Basically Untouchable Right Now

Remember when everyone thought Joey Dunlop's 26 wins would stand forever? Yeah, well his nephew Michael just laughed at that record and smashed it to pieces last year.

Four wins. FOUR. Out of seven possible races in 2024.

The guy now sits at 29 total victories, which is just... God, it's like watching someone rewrite the history books in real time. I interviewed him briefly after his record-breaking win last year and he was already talking about "the next one." No celebration, no dwelling on the achievement. Just pure focus on going faster.

That's the Dunlop way, I guess.

Peter Hickman's Crash Has Everyone Shook

Here's where things got real during qualifying.

Peter Hickman—14 wins in five years, absolute legend—went down hard during practice. I mean, this is a guy who makes the TT look easy, and suddenly he's in the hospital instead of on his BMW.

The good news? He's out of hospital and okay. The bad news? His 2025 TT is over before it really started. Poor bastard must be going crazy watching from the sidelines.

(Side note: if you've never seen Hickman ride the Mountain Course, go find some footage. The man is poetry in motion at 180mph.)

What Actually IS This Madness?

For the uninitiated—and honestly, how are you uninitiated?—the TT stands for Tourist Trophy. Not Time Trial like I stupidly thought for years until my editor corrected me in front of everyone at the pub.

It's basically a time trial anyway though. Riders launch themselves around 37.73 miles of public roads that get closed down for racing. We're talking stone walls, lamp posts, houses, gardens... all the stuff that would normally kill you if you hit it at speed.

Anyone can enter if they've got the right licenses and enough courage (or stupidity—jury's still out). The main events are Senior TT, Supersport, Superbike, Superstock, Supertwin, and Sidecar. The Senior TT is the big one—been running since 1911 with breaks only for world wars, foot and mouth disease, weather, and Covid.

Davey Todd won it last year and he's back to defend his title.

Your Week-by-Week Survival Guide

Monday, June 2 - Race Day 1

Roads close at 9am (Mountain Road) then everything shuts down at 10am. Superbike TT kicks off at noon, followed by Sidecar TT Race 1 at 2pm, then Supersport TT Race 1 at 3:15pm. Roads reopen at 5pm and everyone exhales.

Tuesday, June 3 - Race Day 2

Same road closure routine. Superstock TT Race 1 starts at 10:45am, Sidecar shakedown at 12:30pm, Supertwin TT Race 1 at 2pm, then solo practice at 4pm.

Wednesday, June 4 - Race Day 3

Supersport TT Race 2 at 10:45am, Sidecar TT Race 2 at 2pm, more solo practice at 4pm.

Thursday, June 5 - Rest Day (Thank God)

Contingency day. Hopefully everyone just sleeps.

Friday, June 6 - Race Day 4

Superstock TT Race 2 at 10:45am, Supertwin TT Race 2 at 2pm, Senior TT practice at 4pm. Roads don't reopen until 9:30pm—it's a long day.

Saturday, June 7 - The Big One

Senior TT Race at 10:45am. This is what everyone's been waiting for.

How to Actually Watch This Thing

Here's the annoying part: no live TV coverage.

You'll need TT+ which costs £23.99 for the full package. Yeah, I know—another streaming service to pay for. But honestly? It's worth it for the behind-the-scenes stuff and proper analysis. Way better than the sanitized coverage we usually get.

ITV4 has highlights at 9pm each night if you're cheap like me most of the time.

Show Me the Money

Total prize pot this year is £353,115—a decent bump from last year.

Senior TT pays out £88,725 (the big money), Superbike TT is £65,100, and it goes down from there. Supersport, Sidecar, and Superstock races pay £29,820, £24,675, and £24,675 respectively. Supertwin brings up the rear at £20,475 per race.

Not exactly F1 money, but these riders aren't doing it for the cash anyway.

The King of the Mountain

Michael Dunlop owns this place now. Twenty-nine wins and counting.

His uncle Joey held the record at 26 for decades, and Michael just casually obliterated it with eight wins across 2023 and 2024. The guy's operating on a different level entirely.

Watching him ride is like watching someone who's figured out a cheat code for physics. He makes lines that shouldn't exist and finds speed where there shouldn't be any.

Honestly? I think he's just getting started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ways in which F1 racing strategies are influenced by technology?

F1 racing strategies are heavily reliant on technology, including real-time data analytics, predictive modeling and simulation. Teams examine a variety of data, including tire performance metrics and weather predictions, in order to make informed decisions on pit stops. Advanced software, machine learning models, and simulations can be used to simulate race scenarios and develop the most efficient race strategy. The teams then adapt the strategies they have developed based upon the live data, as well as the changing conditions of the race.

Can you elaborate on the braking systems used in Formula 1 cars?

Formula 1 cars feature highly-advanced braking system, including carbon fiber brake disks and pads. They also have sophisticated hydraulic systems. These components can withstand extreme temperatures and offer responsive braking. Brake by wire systems allow fine-tuned, electronic control of brake force.

What kind communication systems do F1 team use during the race?

F1 teams use sophisticated communications systems to keep in constant contact with the driver, race engineers and strategists throughout a race. The systems use radio communications for voice transmission and telemetry data transmission. To ensure clear, secure communication in a noisy environment, teams use digital encrypted radio systems. With these systems, teams are able to make instant decisions and provide drivers crucial information regarding their car performance, race strategies, and competitors status.

What is its purpose in Formula 1?

The halo feature is a Formula 1 safety feature that was designed to protect drivers' heads from debris. It's a titanium structure above the cockpit that can withstand major forces. It has been credited to saving lives in numerous incidents and preventing serious injury. The halo now forms an integral component of Formula 1 cars, and demonstrates the sport’s commitment to safety.

Could you explain what the Power Unit is in a Formula 1?

The Power Unit of a Formula 1 vehicle is a combination between an internal combustion motor and electrical systems including the Energy Recovery System. It is used as a primary source of propulsion. The internal engine produces the base power, which is then augmented with the ERS to provide additional performance. The integration of all these components is essential for achieving the best power delivery efficiency, and to comply with regulatory constraints.

How do F1 Teams simulate car performance prior to actual races?

F1 teams use various simulation tools to determine car performance in advance of the race. Computational Fluid Dynamics, chassis and suspension modeling, as well as full-scale testing in wind tunnels, are all used to predict car performance. Additionally, teams employ driver-in-the-loop simulators, which allow drivers to experience virtual circuits and provide feedback on car handling. These simulations help teams optimize setups and strategies in preparation for races.

Statistics

The halo device introduced into Formula 1 in 2018 is designed to withstand the equivalent weight of a London double-decker bus.
Since the hybrid power units were introduced in 2014, thermal efficiency has increased from around 29% to surpass 50%, a remarkable figure compared to standard road car engines.
Formula 1 races on average have over 300 sensors on a car, generating more than 1.5 billion data points over a race weekend.
Formula 1's research into sustainable fuel aims to create a 100% sustainable fuel for use in F1 engines by the mid-2020s.
Computational fluid dynamics simulations are capable of calculating around 300 million mesh points to simulate airflow around a Formula 1 car.
The minimum weight for a Formula 1 car, including the driver but excluding fuel, is set at 752 kg for the 2023 season.
The energy recovery system (ERS) in modern Formula 1 cars can provide up to 161 horsepower of additional power for approximately 33 seconds per lap.
A typical Formula 1 car's brake discs can reach temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius during heavy braking.

External Links

How To

How to Understand the F1 Tire Allocation Strategy

Familiarize yourself with all the tire compounds available from the official supplier. Find out how they perform under different conditions. Observe how teams select tire sets for race weekends while considering track characteristics and weather forecasts. Assess the mandatory tire usage rules during races and how they influence strategy. Study pit stops and tire strategy, including how teams balance tire durability with speed to gain competitive advantage.

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