Formula 1 racing is a personification of speed and thrill. The very essential part of this adrenaline-inducing sport was the loud sounds of the V8 and V10 engines in the earlier days. However, as the sport is making a shift to a more sustainable future, a lot has changed in F1. This includes cars, regulations, weekend themes, and also, the epic engine sound. Since 2014, F1 changed to a more sustainable sport, with a major overhaul in rules kicking off the turbo-hybrid era.
The journey that started back then marked a significant shift to the 1600cc V6 engines. The 1.6 liters turbocharged engines are set to be retained in 2026 as well, the year when the next set of regulations with come in. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has made it clear in the past that the sport is far from full electrification. It will be running on the turbo-hybrid model but with a lighter, simpler, and noisier engine.
Last year, FIA’s World Motor Sports Council approved sustainable engine regulations. This is done in an attempt to standardize various parts and reduce fuel consumption going forward with the hybrid engine. The current powertrain is the least charismatic this sport has ever seen, even after being the quickest of all. Going forward, the FIA and F1 bosses have to make sure the engines and regulations help make the sport more competitive along with ticking the sustainability box.
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F1 aims for lighters cars and louder engine
F1 bosses have all been on record admitting to the need for a lighter F1 car. The current F1 machinery weighs a minimum of 795 kg, which is a significant year-on-year weight rise. These bulkier cars are tricker to drive and tough to balance on high-speed corners. However, batteries, energy recovery systems, and modern-day safety systems led to an inadvertent rise in car poundage.
Recently, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali discussed the upcoming regulations and aims at length. Importantly, he shared the vision of the decision-makers for the future of this fast and glitzy sport. “We want a competitive engine, with much horsepower and also with a great sound. 99.9% of people want to hear a Formula 1 sound on track again, and that’s something we’ve put on the table,” said the Italian Boss.
“I believe if we do a good job with sustainable fuels, we will be able to have simplified engines in a few years with a lower impact on weight. It’s something we’ll soon start thinking about.” He additionally said that it is in F1’s DNA to lighten every component of the cars as much as possible.
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