What If F1 ENGINES Had No Rules?
Driver61・22 minutes read
F1 engines have various configurations, with designers facing crucial decisions on engine size, hybrid systems, and maximizing speed around the circuit. Experts recommend V configurations for balance, favoring turbocharged engines for increased power and fuel efficiency.
Insights
- Engine experts consider a V12 configuration as an optimal choice for F1 engines due to its balanced power output, ample space for a large bore, and the ability to maintain engine strength at lower RPMs, as recommended by Micah McMahan.
- The introduction of hybrid technology in F1 engines, such as the MGU-H and MGU-K, allows for efficient energy capture and deployment, enhancing turbo performance without the need for a larger battery, showcasing advancements in powertrain technology within the sport.
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Recent questions
What are the considerations for engine size in F1?
The decision between a small, light 2L engine or a powerful, heavy 10L engine is crucial in F1, with limitations set at 100x60x60 cm to prevent interference with aerodynamics.
What are the advantages of turbocharged engines in F1?
Turbocharged engines offer increased power and fuel efficiency compared to superchargers or naturally aspirated engines, with Renault pioneering turbo engines in F1 in 1977.
Why are V configurations favored in F1 engines?
V configurations are favored for their balance of size, weight, and aerodynamic advantages, making them a common choice in F1 engines for optimal performance.
What challenges did historical F1 engines face?
Historical F1 engines like the Lotus turbine car and Subaru flat 12 faced challenges with performance and reliability, impacting their success in the sport.
What engine configuration does Micah McMahan recommend?
Micah McMahan, an engine expert, recommends a V12 engine for balanced power output, ample space for a large bore, and the ability to run at lower RPMs for engine strength in F1.
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Summary
00:00
Unrestricted F1 Engines: Power, Efficiency, and Balance
- F1 engines with no rules could have various configurations like inline 4, V12, or even W24, with no restrictions on capacity.
- The decision between a small, light 2L engine or a powerful, heavy 10L engine is crucial.
- Considerations for using a hybrid system, balancing the benefits of an electric motor's torque with the weight of batteries.
- Designers aim to maximize speed around the circuit, seeking insights from the Red Bull powertrains performance design team leader.
- Engine size limitations are set at 100x60x60 cm, larger than current F1 engines, to prevent interference with aerodynamics.
- Rules allow for turbocharging, any configuration, capacity within the set space, hybrid systems, and use of advanced materials.
- Historical F1 engines like the Lotus turbine car and Subaru flat 12 faced challenges with performance and reliability.
- Ferrari's experimental V6 comprex engine aimed to eliminate turbo lag but faced issues with fragility and aerodynamics.
- Engine configuration options range from single-cylinder to V24, with considerations for power, balance, and space efficiency.
- V configurations are favored for their balance of size, weight, and aerodynamic advantages, making them a common choice in F1.
14:30
"Expert Recommends V12 Engine for Power"
- Micah McMahan, an engine expert formerly from Red Bull powertrains, recommends a V12 engine for a balanced power output with ample space for a large bore and the ability to run at lower RPMs to maintain engine strength.
- Traditional overhead cam engines face valve issues at higher RPMs, leading to valve float and power loss, prompting the introduction of pneumatic valves by Renault in the late 80s to improve valve control and prevent damage.
- Turbocharged engines, favored by the expert, offer increased power and fuel efficiency compared to superchargers or naturally aspirated engines, with Renault pioneering turbo engines in F1 in 1977.
- Turbocharged engines can significantly boost power by adding more air and fuel, with a rough rule of thumb indicating that each atmosphere of boost effectively doubles the engine's displacement.
- In the late 80s, F1 teams were allowed turbocharged and normally aspirated engines, with turbocharged engines like the McLaren TAG producing significantly more power than non-turbo cars like the Tyrrell Ford.
- Hybrid technology, like the MGU-H and MGU-K, captures and deploys energy efficiently, with the MGU-H connected to the turbocharger shaft to generate and deploy power, enhancing turbo performance without the need for a larger battery.
