A new generation of F1 race engines – hybrid power units

Abstract

The paper aims at reviewing the evolution of the F1 engine technology and the associated regulatory framework governing the sport over the last 10 years. Technical regulations, in force since 2014, replaced the 2.4-liter V8 naturally aspirated engines with sophisticated hybrid units such as the 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engines supported with energymanagement and recovery systems. Since 2014 the fundamental trend in the development of powertrains has been the advancement of their efficiency. Due to the fact that the fuel flow rate has been restricted, the maximum performance is now entirely dependent on the engine efficiency.