Editing Help:Contributing

= Contributing to Formula One Wiki =

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the Formula One Wiki. This platform is an academically oriented, data-driven resource focused on the engineering, regulatory, and analytical dimensions of Formula One racing.

This guide explains how to contribute high-quality, structured content to the wiki.

== 📘 Who Can Contribute ==

Anyone with a registered account may contribute, but contributors are expected to:

* Maintain a scholarly tone and technical accuracy
* Cite all data and claims with reliable sources
* Follow the article structure and formatting guidelines
* Respect the collaborative and non-commercial nature of this project

== 🧱 What to Contribute ==

You may contribute to topics such as:

* [[Aerodynamics in Formula One]]
* [[Power units and hybrid systems]]
* [[Race strategy modelling]]
* [[Lap time and sector analysis]]
* [[FIA Technical Regulations]]
* [[Chassis and suspension design]]

You can also:
* Add references to existing articles
* Expand stub pages or correct inaccuracies
* Create pages for new technical concepts, innovations, or regulations

== 📐 Article Format and Structure ==

All new articles should follow a consistent academic format:

=== ✅ Required Sections (when applicable) ===
* <code>= Introduction =</code>
* <code>== Technical Overview ==</code>
* <code>== Analytical Models ==</code>
* <code>== Regulatory Implications ==</code>
* <code>== Circuit-Specific Considerations ==</code>
* <code>== Further Reading ==</code>
* <code>== References ==</code>

Tables, equations, and diagrams are encouraged where they enhance clarity. Use:

* `<math>` for formulas
* `{| class="wikitable"}` for data tables
* `[[Category:XYZ]]` at the bottom of each article

== 📚 Citation Requirements ==

All factual claims, data points, and technical standards must be listed under a `== References ==` section.

Prefer:
* FIA technical and sporting regulations
* Team technical briefings (public)
* Peer-reviewed or SAE papers
* Trusted engineering outlets (e.g., RaceTech, AMuS, The-Race)

Avoid:
* Unverified speculation
* Social media posts unless from official sources

== 🧠 Editorial Style ==

Please maintain an objective, technical tone:

* Use correct engineering terminology
* Avoid fan-style language (“awesome pass”, “epic move”)
* Emphasise clarity, precision, and structure

Use SI units, correct math notation, and avoid unnecessary abbreviations.

== 🏗️ Templates and Tools ==

You may use internal templates such as:

* `{{Stub}}` – for pages that need further development
* `{{CiteFIA}}` – for referencing FIA regulation documents (coming soon)
* `{{Infobox Circuit}}`, `{{Infobox Team}}` – standardise article headers (coming soon)

Visit [[Help:Templates]] for usage instructions (WIP).

== 📝 Importing from Wikipedia ==

Content from Wikipedia may be reused or adapted in this wiki under certain conditions.

Wikipedia is published under the '''Creative Commons Attribution–ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)''' license, unless otherwise noted. This means:

* You '''may copy, adapt, and modify''' content from Wikipedia
* You '''must attribute the source'''
* You must release your version under the '''same license'''

=== What Not to Import ===

* '''Do not''' copy non-free images or content marked with a restrictive license
* '''Avoid''' importing overly casual or non-technical content without rewriting

=== Best Practices ===

Wikipedia is a great reference for:
* Definitions and history
* Chronologies of regulation or team development
* General overviews (to be rewritten with more depth)

But you should:
* Add your own analysis, data, and technical models
* Improve structure and technical tone
* Properly cite any reused content

By following these steps, you help maintain compliance with the license and respect the open-access collaboration between both platforms.

== 💬 How to Collaborate ==

For discussion:
* Use the article’s “Talk” page
* Start new topics with `== Topic Title ==`
* Sign with <code>[[User:Formula|Formula]] ([[User talk:Formula|talk]]) 12:41, 5 August 2025 (UTC)</code> to leave your name and timestamp

To request edits from others or get feedback, post in [[Help:Contact|Contact Portal]] or [[Talk:Main Page]].

== 🔒 Content Moderation ==

Pages may be protected or reverted if:
* Content is speculative or non-referenced
* Edits are vandalistic or off-topic
* Sources are unreliable

Repeated disregard of editorial guidelines may lead to account restriction.

== 🧪 Getting Started ==

1. Register via [[Special:CreateAccount]]

2. Read the [[formula:About]] page and explore existing pages

3. Create or improve articles using this format

4. Use Preview before saving changes

5. Be respectful and collaborative

== 👥 Need Help? ==

* Visit the [[Help:Contact|Contact Portal]]
* Leave a message at [[User talk:Formula]]
* Join discussions on article Talk pages

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Formula One Technical Wiki is a non-commercial, collaborative project. All contributions remain subject to review and moderation for accuracy and integrity.
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