Are F1’s Hybrid Engines as Glorious and Special as Claimed?

Formula 1 introduced the technology-driven V6 Turbo engines back in 2014, which consequently received a wide array of criticisms from the fans. And the reactions weren’t really that shocking, considering F1 had to lose one of the most attractive aspects of the car – the sound.

The cars became a lot quieter, making it an absolute contrast to the screaming V8 and V10 engines. On top of that, there were also the rocketing costs; several teams endured financial breakdowns, as F1 had to deviate from the traditional internal combustion engines and move towards more hybrid-centered.

Hence, the initial expense was always going to be monumental. But, after the first couple of years, i.e., 2013 and 2014, the teams managed to break away from the bankruptcy fears. On the whole, the sport looks much settled, especially amidst the inclusion of cost cap and engine freeze.

However, despite desperate efforts from F1 and the FIA, the turbo-hybrid units are still receiving a lot of flak from the viewers. But the ongoing hybrid era isn’t as bad as it sounds. In fact, this is one of the most mind-blowing technological booms we’ve witnessed in pretty much the entire motorsport industry.

Why the hybrid F1 engines are special

There are still a handful of spectators bemoaning the presence of V6 engines and are demanding the return of V8 and V10. But considering the direction in which the entire automotive industry is marching towards, F1 is certainly on the right path.

So, let’s take a look at how V6 hybrid engines stand out against other engines. The dawn of the energy recovery system was KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). And in 2014, F1 decided to dismiss the KERS and rather opt for two modern units, MGU-H and MGU-K.

While the former harvests energy from braking, the latter harvests energy from the heat of the exhaust. Under acceleration, the turbocharger would be rotating at around 100,000 RPM, producing enough heat to feed the MGU-H, which, in turn, gives it to the MGU-K.

This MGU-K, being connected to the crankshaft of the Internal Combustion Engine, will offer its full power to the DRS. This is certainly smart work from the hybrid engines, which not only saves abundant energy and fuel but also produces some record-breaking lap times and top speeds.

Hybrid era, the much-needed breakthrough?

Let’s assume F1 stuck with the V8 engines beyond 2014; how bad could it have gone? Of course, it wouldn’t have affected the sport much, at least not through the early part of the 2010s.

However, with the automotive industries heading towards much greener cars and significant prioritization of the ‘electrical era’, by now, F1 would have ended up in the back foot against other racing series. F1 could have been tagged as a motorsport series hazardous to the environment.

Thankfully, that’s not the case with the present hybrid engines. What’s more, bigger changes are coming in terms of sustainable fuels, which could well reduce carbon emissions. And Formula 1 is leading this drive, with more series seeking to join the pinnacle of motorsport.

Overall, amidst an all-electric Formula-E and Extreme-E, we’ve got Formula 1, a sport that is proving to offer a worthy alternative to complete electrification with hybrid engines and partially sustainable fuel and is also striving for maxing out the sustainability to 100%.

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