Inside a Formula One Car: Speed, Technology & Engineering Mastery

Introduction to Formula One Cars

Formula one is a top level international motorsport which has a huge craze in tier 1 countries. It started in the year 1950 and is still going on. From then till today a lot of modifications can be seen in formula one cars. Now it's more advanced than it used to be. Earlier formula one cars used to have front engine but now it has become hybrid powered. If we talk about its speed then it is among the cars that talk to the air.

The main reason for the *Formula one car* being so super speed is its making. Its lightweight construction, along with its aerodynamic design which resists less wind, makes the car sticky even when running at full speed on the track. And most important is its hybrid engine which uses both petrol and electricity. Due to which the performance and efficiency of Formula One cars are much higher than other cars.

Anatomy of a Formula One Car

The design of a Formula One car is a truly fantastic showcase of engineering prowess. F1 car parts are designed in such a way that they can manage the combination of speed, safety and performance. Let's dive into each part individually and explore them thoroughly.

1) Chassis and Aerodynamic Bodywork

The core structure of F1 cars is made of a carbon fiber chassis, which is called Monocoque. This carbon fiber is incredibly strong and remarkably lightweight. It is not only used in the chassis but also in other body parts of the cars such as panels, wings, suspensions. (Source: Piran Advanced Composites)

2) Open-Wheel Design

Unlike other cars, where the wheels are inside the body of the car, F1 cars do not have wheels. All its wheels are outside the car. That is why it is called open wheel. Due to the wheels being like this, the weight of the car is reduced and the air flow is correct, due to which the aerodynamics works properly.

3) Cockpit and Driver Safety Cell

The driver's seat, also known as the cockpit, is the safest spot in a Formula 1 car. It's built to be the strongest part of the vehicle and is loaded with all sorts of safety gear to keep the driver protected.

For example -

It has a six point seat belt harness.
HANS device is fitted for head and neck support.
Energy-absorbing materials are used to reduce the impact on drivers when the car crashes.
A titanium frame (also known as Halo system) is fitted on the driver's head to prevent flying debris during the race and to reduce the impact of the crash.
There are buttons, controls, and a screen near the steering wheel through which the driver can change gears, control brake settings, radio, etc.

4) FIA Safety Standards

FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) is the governing body that conducts Formula one racing. They have made some strict safety rules for all F1 cars. Such as -

Car crash test
Fire resistance test
Chassis strength test

All these are done, only the cars that pass these qualify for racing in Formula one. First and foremost, these rules are all about keeping the driver safe. So that if there is a crash during the race the driver remains safe.

Engine and Powertrain Explained

Formula 1 cars have become completely modern, now they run on hybrid engines, which are powered by 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged hybrid engines. Hybrid engines are a type of engine that run on both petrol and electricity.

Turbocharged V6 Hybrid Engines

The F1 car engine was introduced in 2014, this engine has V6 i.e. 6 cylinders, which are made in V shape, they burn fuel to produce power which runs the cars. Formula one cars' engines have turbochargers fitted in them which fill air inside the engine, the more air is filled, the more fuel is burnt and the car runs super fast.

Formula one car turbocharged V6 Hybrid Engine

Now let's talk about hybrid power units. Hybrid i.e. Two. In this engine, along with fuel, electricity is also used. Whenever heat is emitted from the car due to braking or from the exhaust, this hybrid system stores whatever energy is generated in the battery. Then whenever the speed increases, this stored energy helps in accelerating.

By using such engines, the speed of Formula one cars also increases, more distance is covered in less fuel and pollution is also reduced considerably.

ERS (Energy Recovery System) and MGU-H/MGU-K

ERS means Energy Recovery System, which stores the wasted energy of the car and uses it for better use. This ERS has two main parts -

1) Kinetic Energy Recovery Unit (MGU - K)

Whenever the F1 cars brake, the energy is released in the form of heat. In this way, MGU converts this energy into electricity and stores it in the battery. Then whenever the car increases its speed again, this stored energy is used.

2) Heat Energy Recovery Unit (MGU - H)

Whenever F1 cars run, heat keeps coming out of the F1 car engine, MGU - H converts that heat into electricity and stores it in the battery. Then this energy is supplied to the turbocharger and the car gets a boost.

This ER system increases the speed of the car, less fuel is used and the car also gets a short power boost.

Fuel Efficiency and Power Output

Fuel limit is set in Formula one, but despite the fuel limit, drivers complete the races in less fuel, the main reason for this is the F1 engine, which produces power of up to 1000+ horsepower. Due to ERS and hybrid engine, fuel is saved by utilizing wasteful atmospheric energy and at the same time, drivers can complete the races at full speed.

Speed and Performance Metrics

Formula One race cars are famous for how fast and nimble they are. The entire credit for Formula one car speed goes to its superb engineering.

These cars are very different from regular cars. This is because everything from its speed, engine and design is made according to racing.

Acceleration and Top Speed

If we talk about Formula one car speed then it can cover 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. Its maximum speed can be even more than this but it depends on the racing track. If the design of the track is such that the car is known at top speed then formula one cars give a speed of 231 mph i.e. 372 km/h.

Braking Systems and Downforce

If we talk about the braking system of F1 cars, it has Carbon - Carbon disc brakes which allow super fast barking. This means that no matter what the speed is, the car stops immediately when the brakes are applied.

Downforce is a type of aerodynamics feature in which wings are fitted on top of the car which work to balance the car. This supports F1 cars to stick to the ground, so that the car remains in control even when it turns and is at full speed.

F1 Car vs. Regular Car

Formula One cars are 10 times better than regular cars. But they are made for racing only. Some of its differences are -

Features	Formula one car	Normal Car
Acceleration	This thing can accelerate from a dead stop to 100 kilometers per hour in a mere 2.6 seconds.	Normal speed covers 0 to 100 in about 10 to 12 seconds.
Braking	Even when the car is at top speed, it stops as soon as the brakes are applied and that too without slipping.	There is slow braking and applying the brake immediately may result in slipping or it takes time.
Cornering	Turning can be done easily even at high speed. It has high grip.	Speeding around corners just isn't safe. When turning, it's really important to slow down.
Technology	Hybrid engines, engines, engines and aerodynamics	No Hybrid engine.
Design	Lightweight design. Design that boosts speed	Heavy and comfortable

In-Car Technology and Telemetry

F1 Cockpit technology is of a very advanced level. Mini computers, data collection and even equipment are used in it.

Formula one car Steering Wheel - Mini Computer

1) Steering Wheel – Mini Computer

The steering wheel of a Formula one car is not just made for turning like a normal steering. Rather it has a high tech mini computer set up in it. It has many buttons, dials and switches which allow the driver to perform many types of activities during driving. Like balancing brakes, setting fuel, tyre grip or changing engine modes, this is done through a system fitted in the steering wheel.

2) Real-Time Telemetry Data

F1's cockpit technology boasts a staggering 300 sensors, collectively transmitting a whopping 1.1 million data points each and every second. These sensors record the car's speed, temperature, brake pressure and tyre conditions. This data is passed on to the pit crew live during the race, who analyse it and make their strategic decisions.

3) AI (Artificial Intelligence)

Formula one team and crew use Artificial intelligence so that they can predict the performance of the car, create their strategies during the race, and find out what improvements can be made in the future.

Data analysis and AI are going to shape the future of Formula One racing. And in the times to come, we could see top notch AI being used in Formula one cars.

Cost and Regulations

If we talk about the cost of a Formula 1 car, it is very expensive. It costs approximately $12 million to make it because every part of it is specially designed and assembled. It has a high tech engine, carbon fibre body and advanced sensors which makes it the most expensive.

Formula one car cost

But the FIA has its own rules and regulations regarding the expenses of making the Formula One car and even the salaries of the drivers. Like FIA which is the governing body of Formula One makes its own rules, in which it fixes a new budget every year, no F1 team can spend more than that budget. Similar to 2023, the FIA maintained a budget of $135 million. This means the team will have to manufacture the car as well as manage research, travel, salary etc. in $135 million. Despite having the money, the team cannot spend more than this limit.

Apart from this, FIA has also laid down rules regarding which material should be used in Formula One car making, like if carbon fibre material is approved for the car body then it is mandatory to use the same.

Conclusion and Future of F1 Cars

Formula 1 cars are the ultimate symbol of speed, technology, and engineering prowess. As the technology progresses, we will also see advancement in F1 cars. If we talk about 2026, as AI is almost being trained now and is becoming more and more productive and effective, then in the next 1 - 2 years Formula 1 cars will be able to use 100% sustainable fuel, further modifications can come in the Hybrid engine, Active aerodynamics and manual override system can replace DRS to make the cars smarter.

With this the environment will also remain pollution free, driver's safety will also improve and there will be thrill in performances too.

FAQ

1. How fast can an F1 car go?

F1 cars can reach a maximum speed of 372 km/h, though this depends on the state of the track. They're able to hit these high speeds on tracks that are straight and lengthy.

2. What fuel do Formula One cars use?

Formula one cars use only high octane unleaded petrol as fuel, but this petrol is not like normal petrol, specific additives are added to it which increases the efficiency of the fuel.

3. How much does a Formula 1 car cost?

A Formula 1 car will set you back about $12 million. Its cost depends on its materials, technology, and other factors. But FIA has some rules and accordingly a limit of $12 million has been set.

4. What makes F1 cars so aerodynamic?

F1 cars are designed in a way that allows them to interact with the air. The front and rear wings, diffusers, and bargeboards all contribute to enhancing the aerodynamics of the vehicles.

5. Is it possible for an average person to drive a Formula 1 car?

No! Years of training is required to drive a Formula 1 car. No normal person can drive it.