Making a race automotive greater and heavier could seem counterproductive, however that is precisely what’s occurred to Formulation 1 automobiles over the previous twenty years.
Pink Bull Racing just lately introduced out its first F1 automotive—the RB1 from the 2005 season—for a comparability with the present RB20 at a really moist Silverstone circuit. David Coulthard, who raced the RB1 throughout Pink Bull’s inaugural season, bought reacquainted with the automotive whereas reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen (who was eight years previous when the RB1 made its debut) drove the RB20.
F1 has gone by means of a number of rule modifications since Pink Bull entered the game on the flip of the century with its buy of the troubled Jaguar group from Ford. That is instantly obvious upon seeing the RB1 and RB20 collectively. The 2024 automotive is over 3.2 toes longer than the 2005 automotive, roughly a foot wider, and about 440 kilos heavier.
The additional weight is due partially to the present hybrid energy unit, whose first interation was launched in 2014. The 2005 automobiles used easier naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V-10 engines with none electrification. Recognized for his or her unbelievable sound, the V-10s have been changed by 2.4-liter V-8s for 2006, with kinetic vitality restoration methods (KERS) later including a level of electrification earlier than introduction of the full-fat hybrid powertrains.
A significant rule change for the 2017 season mandated longer and wider automobiles with a lot wider tires. The modifications have been geared toward rising downforce, which did lead to a lot faster lap occasions. Aerodynamics have been drastically simplified with the newest car-design overhaul for the 2022 season, which targeted extra on ground-effect downforce generated by the ground than topside aero appendages. However it did not do something to shrink the automobiles.
The subsequent massive rule change is scheduled for 2026 and focuses on the facility items. The present turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 internal-combustion format will stay, however the brand new energy unit can be easier because of the elimination of the MGU-H, the electrical motor-generator that recovers vitality from the exhaust by way of the turbocharger. The MGU-Ok, which recovers vitality by means of regenerative braking will stay and contribute extra electrical energy. F1 expects peak system output of greater than 1,000 hp—however with decrease gasoline consumption than the present automobiles.