F1 Racing Engine Rules

Formula One race cars must adhere to a strict and complex code of rules that regulate all aspects of the car's construction and operation, from body styling to fuel system design. The cars' engines are regulated in an attempt to provide a level playing field for all teams, and in 2011, the engine rules controlled the size, materials and configuration of each vehicle's powerplant.

  1. Engine Size and Performance

    • The size and configuration of Formula One engines is strictly controlled. Engines must have a capacity of no more than 2.4 liters, and they must be in a V-8 configuration, with cylinders at a 90-degree angle. Each cylinder must have two inlet valves and two exhaust valves. Engines must weigh at least 95 kg, and they must operate at no more than 18,000 rpm.

    Engine Materials

    • There is little room for variation in the materials used in the construction of Formula One engines. Composite materials are prohibited; the major engine components must be constructed of various metals. The crankcase and cylinder block must be made of aluminum alloys, either cast or wrought, and the pistons must also be made from aluminum alloys. The crankshaft and camshafts must be made from iron alloys, and the valves can be made from alloys of iron, nickel, cobalt or titanium.

    Air Intake, Fueling and Exhaust

    • Engines must be normally aspirated. Air-cooling systems, turbochargers, superchargers or systems that modify the temperature or pressure of air entering the engine are not allowed. Only air and fuel may be injected into the cylinders. Variable-geometry valve systems, either inlet or exhaust, are prohibited, as is variable valve timing. Engines may use only one fuel injector and one spark plug per cylinder.

    KERS and Starting System

    • Formula One cars must use no other power source other than the engine. The lone exception is a Kinetic Energy Recovery System. This system stores power generated by the car's deceleration under braking, and the power can later be applied by the driver via an interior boost button. All other supplementary power systems are prohibited. Cars may not use an internal starting system; they must be started by an internal starter in their pits or on the starting grid. Any anti-stall device must stop the engine's operation within 10 seconds after an accident.