Formula 1 is going to make an important change of direction starting in 2026. The engines of Cars will become 50% electricleaving only the other half for the combustion part. An electrification that brings with it a whole series of compensation measures to prevent Formula 1 cars from being dramatically slower.
The philosopher’s stone is called active aerodynamics. It is the key to Formula 1 to ensure that its batteries do not get fried while trying to exceed 350 km/h. It is not a new idea, and some street cars are already incorporating it, but Formula 1 wants to give it a twist to revolutionize electric cars.
The DRS will now also be on the front wing of the Formula 1 cars
Those who follow Formula 1 the most up to date will be familiar with the DRS concept. It is the most advanced point of active aerodynamics that has been reached so far, and basically consists of a rear wing flap that opens on the straights to reduce downforce and gain top speed, artificially creating a kind of slipstream effect.
Well, that will be the cornerstone of Formula 1 from 2026. DRS is not only maintained, but is extended to the front wing. The front of the car will also lose downforce by opening a flap on the straights, but with a nuance: unlike the last decade, now active aerodynamics will not be used for overtaking.
The DRS, both front and rear, can be activated at any time, without having to be less than a second away from your predecessor. The reason? Formula 1 has found a new use for active aerodynamics: reduce the battery consumption necessary to reach certain speeds and extend autonomy.
The concept is not new. Brands like Porsche or Lamborghini already use active aerodynamics on the street, and some electric cars use grills for the same purpose. But in Formula 1 the concept will be somewhat different: it seeks create a large air hole that allows you to reach 350 km/h as well without melting the batteries in the attempt.
Along with its efficient energy recovery systems, Formula 1 seeks the most difficult yet: that their cars continue to be the fastest in history with an even more electric motor. And, along the way, polishing a concept that in a few years could be the next transfer of technology between Formula 1 and the street.
For overtaking there will be the so-called ‘Override Mode’which in short will be an extra boost of electrical power for when you are closer than the stipulated power of the driver in front. This is going to be the new Formula 1.
Source: www.motorpasion.com
