During the Dutch GP there will be protests against Formula 1 because it would be ''the demise of the climate'' and they (Mobilisation for the Environment also called ''MOB'') say that the emissions of the racing cars are comparable to cars from the 60s of the last century, which according to the MOB makes no sense. Is this really the case?
First we have to look at the engine of a Formula 1 car. These are hybrid since 2014,but what's in an F1 engine?
A Formula 1 engine contains the following components:
- V6 engine
- Turbo charger
- MGU-K
- MGU-H
- Energy store
- ECU
The V6 ICE is the heart of the engine. Current regulations specify a 1600cc 6-cylinder engine with 2 rows of 3 cylinders in a V-shape. The fuel used is strictly regulated and is in fact comparable to the petrol in a regular gas station. Current internal combustion engines work with a turbocharger. The electrical power provided by the engine of the hybrid system is supplemented by the power that comes from this turbo. In doing so, the hot gases from the engine's exhaust system are used to run a compressor that improves the air/fuel mixture injected into the engine. The MGU-K stores energy during braking. When a Formula 1 car brakes, temperatures can rise so high that they glow red. The MGU-K operates at about 1000 degrees (1832 Fahrenheit). The MGU-K can regenerate energy into electricity and this is then stored in the ES. MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit, Heat) uses the heat in car exhaust to power generators, similar to the way MGU-K uses energy. This converted energy can be sent directly to ES or MGU-K.
MGU-H can work in both directions. It can absorb or release energy. It mainly supports turbocharging and helps the compressor accelerate when you step on the accelerator. Therefore, it minimizes turbo lag and maximizes performance. The Energy Store is a special battery specific to each Formula 1 engine. The ES stores the energy generated by the MGU-K and the MGU-H. The Formula 1 engines are very economical and emit a total of only 0.7% of the entire Formula 1 world. These engines are the best and most fuel efficient of their kind, which is not surprising since the best of the best people design them.
Formula 1 announced in 2019 that it wants to become a climate neutral sport from 2030. It also indicated the current level of CO2 emissions: in 2019 it was more than 250,000 tons. The biggest culprit is the logistics branch of Formula 1, which is responsible for 45% of emissions. In comparison, a FIFA world championship emits 10x more CO2 than an entire F1 season. And what do these organizations do against the climate problem? Right, nothing.
The logistics in Formula 1 can be greatly improved and they are working on this. For example, they can drive more electrically, fly less and/or use larger vehicles so that they drive with fewer numbers. In total, Formula 1 has about 3,000 trucks that carry everything from pit lane gear to motorhomes etc.
Formula 1 is no longer just a racing arena. It is also a nursery for new car technology. Improvements for ordinary cars are being tested and even economical engine technology is first used in racing cars as a trial. Ordinary cars not only benefit from engine technology in motorsport, but also from other innovations. For example, there are regular experiments on the circuits with new designs designed to reduce air resistance. After all, less air resistance means more speed and less energy consumption. The most successful ideas are then also applied in ordinary cars. For example, on more and more cars, the underside is closed and aerodynamically shaped where possible: an example from racing to optimally guide the wind along the underside of the car. Another example: Audi developed extremely far-reaching laser headlamps for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which are now available in the most expensive models of the brand. The best innovations are: Disc brakes, Turbo charging, Active suspension, Fuel efficiency, ERS, KERS, Carbon fibre, Traction control system, Paddle shifting and Computer systems. I could go on and on...
Many engine design technologies incorporated by car manufacturers today have been motor sport led. The continual drive to increase the performance of an engine while at the same time reducing its cubic capacity (and thus also minimizing emissions and fuel consumption) echoes similar work carried out by race teams.
If we assume that the combustion of their fuel is harmful to the environment, F1 is, surprise, not harmful, but beneficial. It may appear to be paradoxical, yet it is correct.
F1 is responsible for several technological developments. Because of the intense competition and stringent regulations, F1 has been developing its engines and cars in general since its inception. F1 has developed a number of strategies to save fuel or improve engine performance. (or other racing events) This knowledge is applied to the design of ordinary automobiles, resulting in vehicles that are better and more efficient. Overall, F1, or more precisely, their study, causes us to utilize less gasoline. They do, in fact, use a small amount of fuel, but not much. They are only allowed to utilize 105kg of gasoline every race per car, which is nothing on a worldwide scale. However, the cumulative savings produced by our cars as a result of their study make a significant difference on a global basis. The cost of fuel for F1 is very low.
Yes F1 is a bit polluted, but they are working very hard on this. In exchange, we get many innovations in return that ensure that our contemporary cars are safer and better for the environment. Nice deal I would say!
Rick
With the current new regulations that should promote racing (this is due to the so-called ''ground effect''), it also has a disadvantage, which is porpoising. All teams suffer from it and some more than others.
Ever dreamed of driving an F1 car? Unfortunately for you, there is much more to it than you think. You'll be dealing with immense G-forces, massive braking pressures and quick responsiveness. What do you have to do?
