F1 Engine Specifications

Although Formula 1 is a series that breeds innovation, this is not the case when it comes to engine development. In 2006, the series has implemented an engine development freeze that limits changes to a car's engine to a very limited set of items relating to reliability. As a whole, Formula 1 teams are limited in terms of how much innovation they can put into their own engines or engines provided by a technical partner.

  1. Power Sources

    • Formula 1 rules require that all power plants are 2.4-liter, four-stroke engines with eight valves arranged in a 90-degree "V" layout. The maximum rotational speed of the crankshaft is 18,000 revolutions per minute. Engines are normally aspirated without the use of superchargers. The only other form of propulsion allowed is a Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which takes wasted energy created during the process of braking and converts it into horsepower. A system allows a driver to receive a "boost" from the KERS each lap by activating a button on the steering wheel. The KERS has a maximum power of 60 kW and a driver can use up to 400kJ of boost in one lap.

    Dimensions

    • The minimum weight for a Formula 1 engine in the 2010 season was 95 kg. The motor's center of gravity must be at least 165 mm above the reference plane, which is the line upon which the underside of the car sits, while the center line of the crankshaft must be less than 58 mm above the reference pane. The longitudinal and lateral center of gravity of the engine also must be within 50 mm of the geometric center of the engine. The cylinder bore diameter cannot exceed 98 mm and the cylinders must be 106.5 mm apart with a variance of 0.2 mm.

    Throttle

    • The only type of throttle mechanism allowed in Formula 1 racing is a single, chassis mounted foot pedal. Teams are not allowed to modify the foot pedal in any way that would allow a driver to identify specific points in the throttle. Notches or ridges could help drivers find the right throttle positions to control speed approaching corners. The position of the throttle when it is not depressed or fully depressed must correspond to the engine when it is idling or at maximum open position.

    Materials

    • Engine crankcases and cylinder heads are made from either cast or wrought aluminum alloys. Iron-based alloys are required for a variety of engine parts, including the crankshafts, camshafts and piston pins. Pistons must be made from certain types of aluminum alloys. Teams have the choice of making connecting rods from either iron or titanium alloys.