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sportsWikipedia

A modern F1 power unit makes up to 950 horsepower from a 1.6-litre turbo hybrid V6

the gist

A Formula One car is a single-seater with open wheels, large front and rear wings, and an engine behind the driver. Its body is carbon fibre, built to survive heavy impacts and strong G forces. The power unit is a 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid that makes up to 950 horsepower and can push the car to around 375 km/h. Energy recovery systems capture energy under braking and redeploy it as extra power. The wings work like upside-down aircraft wings, producing downforce that presses the car onto the track so it can corner at high speed.

how it works

Wings are shaped so air moving over them pushes the car down, increasing grip. Energy recovery systems turn braking energy into electricity stored in a battery, which the driver can release for extra power.

so what

F1 is a testing ground for hybrid engines and aerodynamics, and its regulations have steadily pushed for lower costs, sustainability and closer racing. Many engineering ideas first proven on track later reach ordinary road cars.

more on this

Adapted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · CC BY-SA 4.0