How Long Do F1 Engines Last?

Have you ever wondered how long an F1 engine can last? Typically, a Formula 1 engine is designed to last for about eight race weekends, although this can vary based on factors such as the engine’s design, the conditions of the races, and the regulations set by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile)

Thankfully, current engines last a lot longer than they did in the ’80s, ’90s, and even 2000s. Today, as per several rule changes that allow for three engines (known as Power Units) to be used throughout a season, an F1 engine is designed to last much longer than its predecessors.

If we take the 2000’s as an example, a driver would use one highly-tuned engine specifically for qualifying, then another for the race, then use brand new engines for the next round – although the engine tuning was majestical this was highly unsustainable.

On the other hand, if we look back to the engineering of the 80’s and 90’s, we would often have races with only a handful of finishers, due to such high numbers of drivers retiring from races with reliability issues. This was even the case when turbos were banned from 1989 to 1994, and only naturally aspirated engines could be used.

How long do F1 Engines Last?

What makes up a Formula 1 Power Unit?

A Formula 1 Power Unit is a marvel of modern engineering, designed to deliver maximum performance under the rigorous conditions of F1 racing. It is a complex assembly that goes beyond traditional powerful engines, with each power unit manufacturer incorporating multiple components to enhance efficiency, power, and energy recovery. Here are the key components that make up a Formula 1 Power Unit:

1. Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): At the heart of the power unit is the ICE, which is a 1.6-liter V6 turbocharged engine. It operates under strict regulations to ensure a balance between performance and sustainability. The ICE is responsible for the primary propulsion of the car.

2. Turbocharger (TC): The turbocharger increases the engine’s efficiency and power output by forcing extra compressed air into the combustion chamber, allowing more fuel to be burned and more work to be done per cycle. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall performance of the power unit.

3. Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K): The Motor Generator Unit Kinetic component recovers energy generated under braking and converts it into electrical energy, which can be stored or used to boost the car’s acceleration. It’s a key part of the power unit’s energy recovery system (ERS).

4. Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H): The MGU-H recovers energy from the exhaust gases that would otherwise be wasted. This energy is used to power the turbocharger more efficiently or converted into electrical energy for storage and later use. It helps in managing the turbocharger’s speed and in energy recovery.

5. Energy Store (ES): The Energy Store is essentially a sophisticated battery system that stores electrical energy recovered by the MGU-K and MGU-H. This stored energy can be deployed to provide additional power to the MGU-K for acceleration.

6. Control Electronics (CE): This component manages the complex interactions between the power unit’s various elements, including the ICE, MGU-K, MGU-H, and the Energy Store. It ensures optimal performance and reliability of the power unit through sophisticated software and electronics.

7. Turbocharger Intercooler: While not always listed as a separate component, the intercooler is crucial for cooling the compressed air from the turbocharger before it enters the engine, increasing its density and thus improving combustion efficiency.

Together, these components form a highly efficient, hybrid power unit that not only propels the F1 cars to incredible speeds but also pushes the boundaries of automotive technology. The integration of hybrid technology and energy recovery systems in F1 power units has significantly influenced the development of passenger car technologies, showcasing the sport’s role as a testbed for high-performance automotive innovation.

Energy Recovery Systems Explained

Formula 1’s commitment to advancing automotive technology is vividly illustrated through its Energy Recovery Systems (ERS). These systems capture energy that would otherwise be lost during braking and exhaust flow, repurposing it to enhance the car’s acceleration and efficiency. This section breaks down the components of the ERS, shedding light on how each contributes to the car’s performance.

Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic (MGU-K)

The MGU-K plays a pivotal role in the ERS by converting kinetic energy from the car’s braking process into electrical energy. This energy, instead of dissipating as heat, is stored for later use. During acceleration, the MGU-K reverses its function, using the stored electrical energy to generate additional kinetic energy, thus providing a boost to the car’s speed. This process demonstrates a direct application of regenerative braking technology, showcasing how energy conservation can be achieved even in high-performance motorsports.

Motor Generator Unit-Heat (MGU-H)

The MGU-H captures energy from the car’s exhaust gases. This component is pivotal in harnessing thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, converting it into electrical power. This power can either be used immediately by the MGU-K for acceleration or stored in the Energy Store for future use. An essential aspect of the MGU-H’s operation is its interaction with the turbocharger, where it plays a critical role in managing the turbocharger spin rev limit. By controlling the speed at which the turbocharger spins, the MGU-H ensures optimal efficiency and performance, preventing the turbocharger from exceeding its designed rotational speed limits, which could lead to mechanical failures or decreased efficiency. This regulation of the turbocharger’s spin rev limit exemplifies the sophisticated integration of energy recovery systems in Formula 1, showcasing the sport’s cutting-edge approach to maximizing power unit performance.

Energy Store (ES)

The Energy Store is essentially the battery system of an F1 car, responsible for holding the electrical energy recovered by both the MGU-K and MGU-H. This stored energy is a critical resource that can be deployed strategically during the race to provide the car with a significant speed boost. The ES’s capacity to manage and supply energy on demand is central to the strategic deployment of power in Formula 1, allowing teams to make real-time decisions about when to utilize the stored energy for maximum effect.

Control Electronics (CE)

The Control Electronics unit is the brain behind the ERS, orchestrating the operation of the MGU-K, MGU-H, and the Energy Store. It regulates the flow of energy within the system, ensuring that energy recovery, storage, and deployment are executed with precision. By managing these processes, the CE allows for the optimal use of recovered energy, enhancing the car’s performance while adhering to the regulations set forth by the FIA.

The integration of these components into a cohesive system exemplifies Formula 1’s role at the forefront of automotive innovation. The ERS not only contributes to the sport’s excitement by providing drivers with a power boost but also serves as a testing ground for technologies that can lead to more sustainable automotive solutions.

Fuel Flow Restrictions

Formula 1’s approach to a fuel flow limit marks a significant step in the sport’s ongoing journey towards sustainability and efficiency. These rules, set by the FIA, limit the maximum rate at which fuel can be consumed by the engines during a race. This regulation is pivotal for promoting fuel economy and reducing emissions, while also ensuring a competitive balance among teams.

Purpose and Goals

The establishment of fuel flow limits aims to encourage the development of engines that are both powerful and fuel-efficient. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to environmental stewardship and seeks to make the sport more eco-friendly. Additionally, by standardizing fuel consumption rates, the FIA aims to provide a level playing field, enhancing the competitive nature of races.

Technical Specifications

Central to the fuel flow regulations is the cap on the fuel rate, which is restricted to 100 kilograms per hour. This limit is enforced through the use of sophisticated monitoring equipment that tracks fuel consumption in real-time, ensuring teams adhere to the rules. The regulations also specify a maximum fuel load that cars can carry, compelling teams to strategize effectively to manage their fuel throughout the race.

Impact on Race Strategy

Fuel flow restrictions have reshaped the landscape of engine development and race tactics. Teams are now tasked with engineering engines that maximize efficiency within the set limits, fostering a wave of technical innovation. On the track, strategies have evolved, with teams balancing between aggressive racing and fuel conservation, adding a layer of strategic depth to the competition.

Monitoring and Compliance

The FIA employs advanced technology to monitor compliance with fuel flow restrictions. Real-time data from fuel flow meters is scrutinized to ensure that teams stay within the prescribed limits. Violations of these regulations trigger penalties, ranging from time additions to disqualification, underscoring the importance of adherence.

Controversies and Challenges

The implementation of fuel flow restrictions has not been without its challenges and disputes. Questions regarding the accuracy of monitoring devices and interpretations of the rules have sparked debates within the sport. Additionally, teams face the technical challenge of optimizing engine performance within these constraints, leading to continuous innovation in search of competitive advantages.

This focus on fuel flow restrictions highlights Formula 1’s role as a leader in automotive innovation, demonstrating how the sport can influence broader trends in vehicle efficiency and environmental responsibility.

F1 Engines – FAQs

How reliable is an F1 engine?

F1 engines are designed to be extremely reliable within their intended lifespan of eight races, despite being highly stressed pieces of engineering. Modern F1 engines have to meet stringent durability requirements as they need to last multiple races due to regulations. In fact, the reliability of Formula 1 engines has improved over the years, with teams consistently working to extend engine life to greater levels. For instance, modern F1 cars are indeed more reliable than their older counterparts, partly because engines and gearboxes are required to last for multiple races. Reliability was at an all-time high in the 2023 F1 season, indicating that F1 teams are making significant strides in this area. However, it’s worth noting that F1 engines are built for performance at the highest level of motorsport, which means they are subjected to extreme conditions that can lead to failures if not managed properly.

When were new F1 engine rules introduced?

The most recent rule changes for F1 engines were introduced for the 2014 season, when engines were changed from the high-pitched screaming 2.4 litre V8 to a vacuum-cleaner sounding 1.6 litre V6 turbo, which were not popular on their debut at Albert Park in Melbourne.

The new regulations included multiple Energy Recovery Systems and fuel flow restrictions to entice more commercial partners to the sport, however, the changes alienated fans as the MGU-H and MGU-K hybrid units produced a much different engine noise than their predecessors.

With complaints from the fans growing louder than the engines, turbo wastegates were introduced in an attempt to bring the more familiar buzz back to being trackside.

Although the power output of the engines was reduced, the introduction of energy recovery systems (known as KERS) saw a boost of 160hp and two megajoules per lap. KERS has since been renamed Motor Generator Unit – Heat, and heat energy recovery systems have been permitted, and are known as Motor Generator Unit – Heat.

The 2015 season saw an improvement on the 2014 engines, with most manufacturers adding an extra 30-50hp. Mercedes had the most powerful engine, producing 870hp (649kW).

How many power units are F1 teams allowed?

F1 teams are essentially allowed three Power Units throughout the season, as a rule change for 2020 meant each team could have one additional MGU-K, bringing the total to three, which matched the three Turbo Charger, Internal Combustion Engine, and MGU-H components that were already allowed.

This was brought into place as during the 2019 Formula 1 season nine out of 20 drivers went over the MGU-K limit, receiving substantial grid penalties as a result.

How many races does an F1 engine last?

With only three F1 engines allowed for the season, each one needs to last for eight races if a driver is to avoid grid penalties for going over their allocation.

Not only do the engines need to be used across the 24 races, they must also make it through the three practice sessions and qualifying as well.

Article 23.3 (a) of the 2018 FIA sporting regulations states: “…each driver may use no more than three engines (ICE); three motor generator units-heat (MGU-H); three turbochargers (TC); two energy stores (ES); two control electronics (CE) and three motor generator units-kinetic (MGU-K) during a championship season.”

Until the end of the 2017 season engines were required to last five races, or four per driver. The change to three power units from the start of the 2018 season posed serious challenges to engineers, but was brought in to reduce overall costs for ‘customer teams’ purchasing power units from the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes.

What RPM does an F1 car idle at?

An F1 car idles at 5000 RPM, with the 1.6-litre V6 engine topping out at 15,000RPM in the present version. While 15,000 RPM is the legal limit, most cars rarely exceed 12,000 RPM during a race due to fuel flow restrictions, and the importance of conserving power units throughout the season to avoid grid penalties.

Previously, the 2.4 litre V8’s used from 2007 to 2013 had a revolution limit of 18-19,000 RPM.

Prior to that, when engines were a V10 or V12 (or V8 in 2006) the revolution limit was unrestricted.

How many miles can an F1 engine last?

Race distance in Formula 1 is defined as the smallest number of completed laps that exceeds 305 kilometres (with the exception of the Monaco Grand Prix at 260km).

An F1 engine needs to last eight races, so eight races at 305 kilometres each equals 2440 kilometres, which when converted means an F1 engine lasts about 1516 miles.

However, we still need to take into account the miles driven in free practice and qualifying!

As each driver will complete a different number of laps in free practice and qualifying due to varying factors (such as technical problems during practice or being knocked out of qualifying early) it is impossible to ascertain an exact number of miles a Formula 1 engine will last, but we can see it is north of 1516 miles per the above calculation.

Before rules were introduced to reduce spending on engines, and teams could use a new engine for every race, one power unit would last on average a tiny 250 miles only! 250 miles is 402 kilometres, and as mentioned before, race distance is 305 kilometres…

What was the most powerful F1 car ever?

The Benetton B186 was the most powerful F1 car ever built, and could produce an astonishing 1350+ hp in qualifying spec, and 900 hp in race spec.

Built by the Benetton F1 team for the 1986 Formula 1 season, the Benetton B186 was the first car constructed by the Benetton team, who had bought out the Toleman F1 team at the conclusion of the 1985 season.

The car used the BMW M12/13 engine and despite such high power, only experienced moderate success in 1986 with Gerhard Berger and Teo Fabi behind the wheel, achieving one race win at the 1986 Mexico Grand Prix, two pole positions, and three fastest laps.

How much does an F1 engine cost?

Teams are often cagey about how much budget they spend in development, however, we know the cost of an F1 engine is between $7-8 million USD.

Until recently spending was uncapped, with giants Ferrari and Mercedes spending in excess of $400 million USD on their 2018 cars.

In comparison Williams, the last true ‘privateer’ on the grid, spent approximately $150 million USD which explains some of the gulf between the front and back of the grid (poor decision making at Williams notwithstanding).

From 2021 teams were limited to spending $145 million USD in a bid to reduce costs and even the playing field across F1.

The figure per 2021 was initially set at $175 million USD, with further reductions coming through in following years, however, in response to the coronavirus crisis, the amount was lowered by $30 million to help teams already struggling due to the loss of finances caused by the pandemic.

Why are F1 engines so small?

Formula One cars currently use a 1.6 litre four-stroke turbocharged V6 engine, and have done since 2014 (although they have been modified over subsequent years).

The engine is known as a short-stroke engine because to operate at the high speeds they do (F1 cars regularly travel at 310 km/h) the stroke must be short to avoid engine failure caused by the connecting rod, which at these speeds is placed under enormous stress.

A large bore is needed due to the short stroke in order to reach the 1.6-litre displacement, resulting in a less efficient combustion stroke when the revs are low.

While the engine of an F1 car may be smaller than that of a road car, it is able to generate more power due to the extremely high rotational speed of up to 15,000 RPM, considerably higher than a road car which usually stays below 6000 RPM.

Until the mid-80’s metal valve springs were used to close the valves, so engines were limited to 12,000 RPM. Renault then created pneumatic valve springs which lowered power loss. As a result, all manufacturers have used pneumatic valve springs since the 90’s, which has meant engines have been capable of hitting a high of 20,000 RPM.

What happens to old F1 engines?

At the end of each season, the engines are first refurbished and used in demo cars. Each team has a demonstration team, Red Bull Racing being the most famous, who travel around to roadshows and events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed to bring F1 to more people than would normally be able to get o close, and to wow crowds.

Often the engines used for such events will be V8’s, as the intention is to put on a show that also gets people talking and reminiscing.

For these demonstrations, if it is a current F1 team, they would use an old chassis and also put the current livery on it to first keep sponsors happy.

Some F1 cars are sold to collectors who use them at track days, while others go into museums.

Are Indy cars faster than F1 cars?

Much has been made of the debate between fans of Indy and F1 as to which is the fastest, ‘best’, and most exciting.

F1 is known as the pinnacle of motorsport around the world, but Indy has a much bigger following than F1 in the USA owing to its prioritisation of having a more equal playing field, which often leads to different race winners throughout a season.

IndyCar has a higher top speed than Formula One, topping out around 235 mph (378km/h), which is 30 mph more than a Formula 1 cars top speed of 205 mph (329km/h). As IndyCars often race on ovals, less downforce is needed than in Formula 1, who prioritise downforce and cornering speeds to race on tighter circuits.

On the Utah salt flats, Honda was able to tune an engine to reach 397km/h in straight-line speed, as downforce and cornering was not a consideration for their attempt.

Although an IndyCar is faster in a straight line than a Formula 1 car, this does not give them an overall speed advantage, as an F1 car is able to accelerate much faster and lose less time in the corners.

Circuit of the Americas is used for the United States Grand Prix, and in 2019 IndyCar raced there for the first time, which meant a more accurate comparison between the two racing classes could be made.

In IndyCar, Australian Will Power took pole in 1m46.017s.

When Formula 1 hit COTA later that year, Valtteri Bottas set the pole lap in 1m32.029s – a time which would see the Finn some 14 seconds faster than Power.

Would an F1 car beat a Nascar?

Simply put – yes.

It also has to be said it is a little like comparing apples and oranges.

In 2019 Renault said their engine hit 1000 horsepower, and estimates suggest Ferrari and Mercedes touched that magical engine mark as well. An F1 car weighs 1615 pounds (740kg) and 176 pounds (80kg) is made up of the driver and seat weight.

On the other hand, a NASCAR weighs 3400 pounds (1542kg) and has 850 horsepower.

An F1 car can go from 0-60mph in around 1.8 seconds, whereas a Nascar takes three seconds.

When it comes to Formula 1 vs Nascar, the cars, the rules, and the strategy are just too different for it to be a fair fight.

Which F1 teams use which engines?

Ferrari has a long tradition in Formula 1, and have the trophies and fans to back up their claims to being the best team in the history of Formula 1.

In the 2024 season, Scuderia Ferrari, Sauber, and Haas will all be using the Ferrari engine.

Second to Ferrari in terms of prestige, Mercedes has a long history in Formula One and are the first team ever to win eight consecutive Constructors and Drivers Championships, doing so from 2014 to 2021. Ferrari won six consecutive Constructors Championships from 1999 to 2004, but the Drivers Championship of 1999 was won by Mika Hakkinen with a Mercedes engine in the back of his McLaren.

In 2024 Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin, and Williams will be powered by the Mercedes engine.

Currently, only two teams use a Honda engine, Red Bull Racing, and their sister team Visa Cash App RB.

Finally, in 2024 the Alpine team will use their Renault engine.

What engines are used in F1 2024?

Currently, Formula 1 cars are powered by 2.4-litre V6 engines with turbocharged hybrid-electric systems producing nearly 1000 horsepower. 

In 2014, the current engine rules replaced the old naturally aspirated V8s, and these regulations will remain in place until at least 2025, with new regulations coming into play in 2026.

The engine suppliers are Ferrari, Mercedes, Renault and Honda.

This means that several teams are ‘customers’ of the manufacturers. Among its customer teams, Mercedes power supplies engines to Williams, Aston Martin, and McLaren.

Together with their own team, Ferrari supplies Sauber and Haas. Visa Cash App RB and Red Bull Racing both use Honda engines. Groupe Renault-owned Alpine runs Renault E-Tech hybrid engines. Renault has no customers for 2024.

Why do F1 engines rev so high?

The bore-to-stroke ratio of Formula 1 engines and motorcycle engines is often extremely high, allowing for higher engine speed (and hence increased power). In Formula One, a 2.5 bore-to-stroke ratio isn’t that unusual.

Oversquare engines (with a larger bore than stroke) are a simple way of creating high-revving engines. It has a number of advantages, but for engine RPM, it keeps piston speed low. Engines with lower piston speeds experience less wear on their connecting rods and crankshafts, as well as acceptable flame propagation rates, allowing them to rev even higher. Additionally, by having a wider bore, you are able to have larger intake and exhaust valves, resulting in better airflow at high speeds.

Let’s say one of your engines is a 4.0-litre V8 that revs to 6000rpm. The first has a bore/stroke ratio of 0.5 (68.3mm/136.6mm) and the second has a bore/stroke ratio of 1.5 (98.5mm/65.6mm). Undersquare engines will have an average piston speed of 27.32 m/s and engines with larger bores will have an average piston speed of 13.12 m/s, less than half! Before the short-stroke engine reached the same piston speeds as the other engine, it could rev all the way to 12,500rpm.

How often are F1 engines rebuilt?

F1 engines are not rebuilt, but instead are replaced. Drivers are allowed to use three engines a year (and other engine components) under current regulations.

A starting grid penalty will be applied to drivers who need to change their engines (or other power unit parts) above the allowed three engines.

With 24 races on the 2024 FORMULA 1 calendar, here is the component breakdown for this year:

Internal Combustion Engine – 3
MGU-H – 3
Turbocharger – 3
MGU-K – 3
Energy Store – 2
Control Electronics – 2

How much horsepower does a F1 car have

Formula 1 cars use a 1.6L V6 turbocharged hybrid engine produces approximately 1000 horsepower. Each manufacturer will be slightly different, and all play their cards extremely close to their chest, so the exact figure remains unknown.