The protection of the environment and the reduction of the ecological footprint is currently raging. Fuel consumption is a big part of this fight. To make their contribution to the sector, manufacturers are focusing on less polluting engines such as electric or hybrid. However, Formula 1 cars are still being used in combustion engines. What are the reasons for this?
Formula 1
F1 is the motor sport discipline with monospace vehicles on a special circuit and its own regulations since 1949. These regulations include a weight limit for the single-seater including the driver to less than seven hundred kilograms. The maximum speed achieved by an F1 car was recorded at 378 kilometres per hour. The type of engine is imposed to be a 1.6 litre turbo V6. However, it is possible to make it a hybrid. As far as consumption is concerned, a constraint is also set by the regulations at around one hundred kilograms of fuel per hour. This limitation also makes it possible to control their power for a maximum of one thousand horsepower. It also limits fuel consumption per race to one hundred and ten kilograms, i.e., about forty-five litres per hundred kilometres.
The electric formula
This is the F1 of electric cars. The championships for this type of competition were created in 2014, also under the auspices of the International Automobile Federation. They reach a speed of 280 kilometres per hour, with acceleration from zero to one hundred kilometres per hour in three seconds. Despite this speed, they are less noisy than a bus. Another advantage is the possibility of witnessing a fast race with ultra-profiled vehicles, without the inconvenience of petrol fumes. With the evolution of technology, it can now last forty-five minutes on the track without having to pass through the pits again. They have an attack mode that gives the driver a boost effect according to the criteria defined by the regulations. They have zero emissions and require much less investment.
Why does Formula 1 still exist?
Despite its reputation as a polluting car, with little concern for the environment, opulent and prone to waste, Formula 1 maintains its position as the number one motor sport. Indeed, despite development, Formula E is not close to achieving the performance in terms of speed and distance of its combustion-powered counterpart. Despite the performance of the batteries, it is currently more convenient when returning to the pits to change the minivan instead of changing the battery. Therefore, to maintain its reign, it must focus on hybrid engines, while promoting bio-ethical fuels. In addition, a more efficient storage technology coupled with a system for recovering kinetic energy from braking and exhaust gases will improve its image with environmentalists.
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