F1's 2026 cars will have 1,000 horsepower, less downforce and weight - Symonds - eviltoast

Formula 1’s chief technical officer has revealed new details of the biggest overhaul of the series’ regulations in a decade.

  • NoRamyunForYou@lemmy.nz
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    7 months ago

    Interesting. Genuine question, what are the main reasons for limiting the power? Is it due to safety?, managing costs? Theoretically, with so few engines allowed per season now, wouldnt it curb alot of the stuff that was happening with insane qualifying trims in the 80’s as an example?

    • safesyrup@lemmy.hogru.ch
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      7 months ago

      I think the main reason is safety, yes. With more power you can add more downforce while not loosing out on top speed. I think 5 to 6 Gs of lateral acceleration in corners is already enough :D

      As for your second question: technology, especially turbo technology and precision machining has come a long way within the last 40 years. I think the most extreme cases of qualifying trim in the 80s were 1.5 litre engines with 1200-1500 hp, and they literally only lasted for one single lap, or around 5 km.

      Todays engines are 1.6 litres running at 900-1000 hp while doing multiple thousand km. Additionally, using more than 3 engines outweigh the penaltys with the performance gained.

      • NoRamyunForYou@lemmy.nz
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        7 months ago

        Can’t argue with safety.

        I wonder what would be the solution/ combination not solutions to give rise to races where drivers have to/ are able to push alot more for alot longer.