Red Bull Motorsports
F1
How much horsepower do F1 cars have?
Before seeing what these drivers are capable of on the Las Vegas Strip, let’s dive into the role horsepower plays in F1.
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, horsepower is the heart and soul of performance. When witnessing F1 drivers in action at events like the Las Vegas Grand Prix from the Red Bull Energy Station Las Vegas, it’s horsepower that pushes the cars (and their drivers) to hit impressive breakneck speeds.
Max Verstappen takes the lead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix
© Getty Images
01
What is horsepower?
Horsepower (hp) is a measurement of an engine’s power potential. Coined by engineer James Watt, the term did in fact originate as a reference to the amount of power a horse exerts when pulling. One unit of horsepower represents the ability to move 550 pounds by one foot of distance in one second.
With F1 racing, horsepower directly correlates to the car’s speed and acceleration, influencing everything from lap times to overtaking maneuvers. The more horsepower a car has, the more it can also combat air resistance. This makes all the difference in a sport like F1, where every millisecond counts.
02
Evolution of F1 car horsepower
Engine regulations have continually evolved over decades, balancing power, efficiency, and sustainability. In the early days of F1, some car engines came from water pumps, such as the Coventry-Climax FPF. But most cars had naturally aspirated engines, like the Alfa Romeo 158, which produced 350 horsepower. This engine was so effective that there was only one race within its first two seasons of use that didn’t have an Alfa Romeo 158 driver taking first place.
Max Verstappen on track during the F1 Grand Prix in Austin, Texas
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The Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve), a 3-litre V8, hit the stage in 1967. This engine was responsible for winning 155 races and 12 championships. While it could only reach 400 horsepower, its design helped lay the groundwork for turbocharged engines to soar the horsepower to over 1,000. It’s no wonder the Cosworth DFV is still cited as the most popular F1 engine in history.
Unfortunately, the excitement of the 1,000 horsepower era in the 1980s was short-lived due to safety concerns. FIA’s decision to limit liters per race dropped power output requirements to 600-700 horsepower. When turbocharged engines were banned in 1988, F1 returned to naturally aspirated engines. These newer versions of classically designed engines were able to produce over 900 horsepower by 2005.
All of this fine-tuning eventually led to the return of 1,000 horsepower in the current turbo-hybrid era. The current F1 engine specs were introduced in 2014 and will be valid until 2025. The 2026 guidelines will introduce new power units with zero fossil carbon. The new systems are expected to offer 1,000 horsepower with significantly less fuel usage.
03
Modern F1 engines
Modern F1 engines, crafted by one of four designated F1 manufacturers, are a marvel of hybrid technology. Today’s F1 cars are powered by a highly sophisticated hybrid power unit, combining an internal combustion engine with electric motors.
The current F1 power units have 1.6-liter 90-degree V6 turbocharged engines with an 80mm bore and 53mm stroke and two electric motors: MGU-K and MGU-H. The MGU-K adds 160 horsepower, while the MGU-H manages the turbocharger. The piston engine alone adds approximately 840 horsepower, significantly boosting efficiency and performance.
04
Horsepower of current F1 cars
The 2024 Oracle Red Bull Racing RB20
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
The horsepower of current F1 cars is a testament to the relentless pursuit of performance. F1 cars often have the capacity to produce around 1,000 horsepower. However, that can vary slightly between teams due to differences in engine design and tuning.
Most of the time, cars only operate with 850 horsepower, so the motors can rapidly regenerate the kinetic energy. But for 33 seconds per lap, when full boost power is deployed, drivers fly at 1,000 horsepower. Even though 33 seconds sounds like nothing, in an F1 race, it’s everything.
Mercedes is known for producing the fastest and most reliable engines for almost eight years. Mercedes has reached 1015 brake horsepower (bhp), which refers to a car’s horsepower after accounting for engine power frictional losses.
Ferrari and Honda also boast highly competitive power units. Ferrari reached a high of 1030bhp but typically gets 970bhp. Honda nearly tied with Mercedes in 2021, reaching 1014bhp. Renault has also made significant strides in enhancing their engine’s performance by being able to reach at least 1000bhp.
The collaboration of internal combustion engines and electric motors allows these cars to achieve phenomenal power outputs. This makes every Grand Prix, like the Red Bull Dutch Grand Prix, a showcase of cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess.
05
How F1 teams achieve high horsepower
Achieving such high horsepower in F1 cars involves a blend of advanced technology and meticulous engineering. Aerodynamics plays an important role in optimizing airflow around the car, reducing drag, and increasing downforce, which helps in maintaining high speeds. Fuel efficiency is another key factor, as the hybrid power units must balance power output with fuel consumption. The integration of hybrid technology allows teams to recover and reuse energy that would otherwise be lost, enhancing both performance and efficiency. The control electronics finely tune the interaction between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, ensuring seamless power delivery and maximizing the overall performance of the power units.
Liam Lawson on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil in Sao Paulo
© Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
06
Impact of horsepower on F1 car performance
Horsepower directly impacts how well an F1 driver does on the track. Higher horsepower allows for faster straight-line speeds and quicker acceleration out of corners. This can be the difference between winning and losing in a sport where races are often decided by fractions of a second. While the balance of power, aerodynamics, and driver skill come into play, horsepower remains a fundamental factor in achieving top-tier performance.
The final lap: Reflecting on F1 horsepower
F1 horsepower is more than just a number—it’s the essence of speed and the embodiment of engineering excellence. From the early days of naturally aspirated engines to the hybrid power units today, the F1 engine evolution reflects relentless pursuits of power and performance. As technology advances, the future promises even more impressive feats, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the racetrack. The sheer power of F1 cars serves as a reminder of why this sport showcases the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
