F1

[luv2spd]

Is anybody else on this website follow F1?

This Monday is the test for the third F1 season that features the 1.6L V-6 hybrid cars. The picture below shows Andy Cowell managing director with the hybrid unit that produces around 750hp and weighs just 320lbs. Over the years the re-generation unit went from 39% to 95% efficient and the weight of it from 236lbs to just 44lbs with the use of Lithium-Ion batteries.

The thermal efficiency of the engine also went from 29% in 2013 to 45% in 2015. When my dad went to engineering school in the 70's the maximum theoretical efficiency of an engine was only 28%.

The power unit below costs $2.4million and to run a competitive F1 team costs around $800million per year. A lot of people think that F1 racing is a waste of resources and money, but there are a lot of things that trickle down to cars.

The new Toyota Prius has the most efficient engine at 40% efficiency of any production car, and it's lighter too because of Lithium-Ion batteries. It also achieves 58mpg which is the same as the first generation Insight, but the Prius is cheaper new, can seat 5 people and has plenty room for cargo.

[Draigflag]

I don't follow it as such, but I do find the technical and engineering aspects very interesting, and as you say, all that clever technology eventually makes its way down to production cars. It just proves there's really no need for big engines anymore. I find it a tad boring to watch as it's so technical, the racing itself has become too refined and clinical. Great for lap times, but a little on the dull side to watch. I prefer the World Rally Cross myself as it's more challenging, different countries, tracks, surfaces, weathers and even after loosing things like windscreens and wheels, the race must go on, there's a bit of insanity involved!

Do you watch the Formula E? Similar to F1 but the cars are fully electric. Renault do well here, as they do in F1.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_E

[luv2spd]

Yes I watched Formule E a few times on YouTube, but I just don't find them as exciting yet. Most of the F1 drivers end up there too. I used to watch WRC too, I mainly liked when they raced on tarmac with low profile wide tires, Germany used to be my favourite track to watch.

Sometimes the F1 races end up being boring, but there is so much more going on behind the curtains. Race strategy, team management, technical review videos after each race, and then there is the cheating (ahhm, pushing the regulation limits: double-diffuser, blown-diffuser, blown front axle, gas tank within a gas tank).

[litesong]

Originally Posted by luv2spd

Is anybody else on this website follow F1?
The new Toyota Prius has the most efficient engine at 40% efficiency of any production car, and it's lighter too because of Lithium-Ion batteries.

Originally Posted by Draigflag

Do you watch the Formula E? Similar to F1 but the cars are fully electric.

Red Bull dominated for years, then Mercedes took over, after turbos were specified. As other tech is specified, we'll see if other manufacturers will come to the fore. Its interesting the recent leaps forward of the new Toyota Prius, just as Toyota wins the Daytona 500 for the first time. & what...the next 3 places, too? The end of the race was a free-for-all, & I forgot the other finishers.

I find the Formula E exciting! I think the vehicles are very similar, except for differences in some of the engine mapping. Any other differences? The extra 15% or 20% power boost from a year ago, has made Formula E much more exciting, than the extra 20% power boost might make you think. Another 20% power boost will really make it thrilling. I don't think they should try for 400HP, tho. Electric motors are so efficient, 400HP would make the engines berserk. Already, Formula E has had some wild crashes. Hope the racing might add impetus to battery tech & electrics advancements.
I love the really wild car colors. Think they are trying hard to catch the young people. Formula E worked hard to draw offspring of former Formula 1 race drivers into electric racing.

[luv2spd]

Some great pictures from testing if anyone is interested. I like the matt paint finish of the Red Bull, and all the carbon fiber and gold on the cars around the exhaust.

[luv2spd]

[luv2spd]

Technical video of the aerodynamic changes this year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfSPepuHUmc

[tommypress]

Yes! I am a great fan of the sport. But it's sad to see that the recent seasons were dull and the races currently lost the flair.

[LDB]

I enjoy most motorsports. I don't keep up with all the technical side. I lose interest too quickly any more but I do like to watch the races and see and think about the various strategies of tire choices, when to pit, etc.. The umbrella girls are nice too.