Grand Prix

French for "grand prize", and it predates Formula 1 by decades: the term was in use for major motor races from the early 1900s. The World Championship began in 1950.

The distance is the smallest number of full laps exceeding 305km, which is why lap counts differ by circuit. Monaco is the exception, shortened to about 260km. A race also has a time limit, and one interrupted by red flags can be declared with points awarded on reduced distance.