The F1 Engine Formula Examined

Now that the Formula One season is freshly underway, it might be interesting to take a look at how the engine formula has changed from last season to this—and it has changed in a big way. By going smaller. It is almost analogous to the downsizing that’s going on in the auto industry in general.

Renault, which produces engines for a number of teams, including defending champion Red Bull, provides some data regarding last year’s RS27 and this year’s Energy F1.

The engines are electrified, as well. But this is eAssist on steroids. There are two motor-generator units, MGU-H for exhaust recovery (H signifying heat) and MGU-K for kinetic recovery during braking (K for kinetic). MGU-H is connected to the turbocharger and takes power from the turbine shaft; the electrical energy can be directed to a battery or to the MGU-K. The MGU-K is connected to the crankshaft; under braking, it acts as a generator and recovers kinetic energy and under acceleration it acts as a motor to propel the car.