Formula 1: The Fastest R&D for Modern Performance

1,605 pounds.

875 – 1,000 horsepower.

0 to 60 mph in around 2.5 seconds.

Up to 6 Gs of lateral cornering force.

Is this the newest supercar to hit the streets? Nope. These are just a few of the specs from modern day Formula 1 cars.

F1 represents the pinnacle of modern-day racing, with teams kept in close competition thanks to strict racing regulations by the FIA. There have been a number of stories over the years of racing teams “getting creative” with the rules, and trying to gain an edge on the competition. These teams put a lot of effort into developing technology, improving systems, or finding new materials to save weight or help the car perform better on the track.

And, you might not realize it, but the car you’re driving today can trace a number of its systems back to F1 teams of the past. So, let’s take a look at how Formula 1 has influenced today’s vehicles.

Connectivity

Modern racing teams have two loves – data and speed. Data leads to speed, and speed leads to race wins. Engineers want to monitor every bit of information so they can learn what the car is doing and when it is doing it. They achieve this by monitoring anywhere between 150-400 sensors on the vehicle during testing. This data is then used to help the team fine-tune the car for the best overall performance.

The biggest challenge with processing this data is how to transfer information from the car to the team personnel as quickly as possible. Some of the technology used for the wireless data transfer comes from everyday devices like cell phones. Therefore, any improvements made by the racing teams often ends up trickling back into the personal electronics industry.

Collecting and processing all of this data is also a challenge. And the resulting innovative techniques have made it possible to add more smart features into everyday road cars. No, we don’t mean the system that reads your text messages to you. We’re talking about data rich systems, which process massive amounts of information from many sensors simultaneously. Those systems include parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, parallel parking assist, trailer backup assist (available on the new Ford F-series trucks), and more.

While the engineers need to study and process the data collected from the onboard sensors, they are not the ones who are actually driving the car. The drivers need to be just as connected to the car as the rest of the support team. So how do they achieve this?

Cockpit Customizations

Drivers can view real time data such as tire pressure or temperature as they’re driving so they know exactly how the car is responding to their inputs.

The main connection between the car and the driver would be the steering wheel, and a Formula 1 steering wheel really is something. Drivers are heavily involved in the development of the steering wheel for their car, so it’s tailor made to their own specifications and preferences—even to the exact size of their hands!

Switches, buttons, and dials are all placed just right, and can be adjusted by the driver without even needing to take a hand off of the wheel. These controls affect the way the car handles around corners and how much power it makes at any given point in the race. Gear shifts are initiated by paddles on the back side, and they can even push a button to set a maximum speed while maneuvering in the pits, avoiding costly fines or a possible crash.

These steering wheels are so connected that they even have a screen mounted to them displaying critical data points to the driver. It’s hard to imagine a road car having the gauges mounted on the steering wheel, but it’s easy to see the similarities between an F1 wheel and one out of a new Ferrari.

As racing teams continue to place more controls on their steering wheels, the manufacturers are beginning to do the same. Turn signals, high beams, even the engine start/stop switch can be found on the steering wheels of some modern-day cars.

Suspension

Suspension systems on your typical road cars are tuned for comfort. Formula 1 cars are built for speed. However, there’s much more to Formula 1 car suspension components than meets the eye.

Teams such as Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport will actually design and manufacture many of their own suspension components in-house. This allows them complete control over all variables such as quality, strength, weight, size, and aerodynamic profile. Why is that important? Well, for starters, suspension components are structural and safety-critical devices that help to absorb crashes and protect the driver as well as the rest of the chassis. Plus, they’re located inside the airstream, so they also have an effect on the vehicle’s aerodynamics.

While the wishbones and push/pull rods are exposed, other critical components such as the springs and hydraulics are safely tucked away inside the body work. These springs and dampers are fully adjustable, and can be fine-tuned during testing to maximize the grip of any wheel for any particular track or condition.

Formula 1 teams of the past actually pioneered systems that could electronically adjust the suspension dampening for changing track conditions. This was first seen in 1987 in the Lotus F1 car which was piloted by the legendary Ayrton Senna.

For years, many luxury road-going vehicles have offered adaptive suspension systems as standard equipment. And today, we’re seeing it crop up on more economical rides, like the 2019 Toyota Avalon.

Engine/Drivetrain

Formula 1 powerplants are on the leading edge of technology. After all, they have to be if they want to be the fastest team on the track. Racing teams pour huge sums of money into developing and testing new engines, transmissions, and hybrid drive systems. Specifically, Formula 1 teams have been chasing something called thermal efficiency. There’s a lot of science involved, but basically they’re trying to maximize the amount of potential energy stored inside the fuel. Essentially, the more energy they can get out of the fuel, the more power they can put to the ground.

Through their efforts, racing teams have developed a myriad of technologies that are found in modern day road cars. Fuel injection, turbochargers, and superchargers are just a few of the innovations born from Formula 1.

Emissions-Compliant

Formula 1 saw significant regulation changes for the 2014 season. The FIA sought to align the racing world with the rest of the auto industry by mandating fuel efficiency standards. The 2.4L V8 engines were replaced by turbocharged 1.6L V6 engines. And while some fans didn’t approve, what the new engines lack in sound is more than made up for by their mid-range power.

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport has received top honors for its innovative V6 engine. The team even went so far as to split the turbocharger housing in half—mounting the air compressor on the front of the engine and the exhaust turbine on the back, connected by a shaft. The exhaust turbine is significantly hotter than the air compressor, so mounting the two halves on separate sides helps to insulate intake air from heat soak—and cooler intake air is denser air.

Hybrid powerplants have seen serious advancements in the last five seasons. The motors and controllers are smaller, weigh less, and pack more power than ever before. Regenerative braking systems (commonly known as KERS) will actually generate power under braking, and this power can be used with the flick of a dial on the steering wheel. Sound familiar? That might be because Toyota advertised this feature on their popular Prius model just a few years ago.

Brakes

As Formula 1 teams look to squeeze every last bit of speed and performance out of their cars, there is a growing need for brakes, which are powerful and tough enough to slow those cars back down again. It’s safe to say that the braking systems found on modern day Formula 1 cars are among the most advanced systems in the world, and they make use of exotic materials to maximize performance and minimize wear and tear.

Carbon ceramic brakes may reach temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees C (1,832 degrees F) during heavy braking, then almost immediately cool down to 200 degrees C (392 degrees F) while traveling down a high-speed straight. These brakes are capable of generating 5 Gs of force during heavy braking! This is one of the many reasons why Formula 1 drivers need to be in top physical shape. They must be able to take huge G forces while racing without fatigue.

Everyday road car brakes simply couldn’t handle these temperatures, let alone the constant heat cycling or clamping forces required by a Formula 1 car. Carbon ceramic discs can withstand the punishment, and they feature vastly improved air flow for maximum cooling. These brakes can be found on some high-end performance road cars such as Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz AMG, or Porsche to name a few.

See For Yourself…

It’s safe to say that Formula 1 teams will continue to lead the industry in innovations in the future. Mercedes-AMG and Aston Martin are both working on road cars which will be powered by Formula 1 engines. The AMG Project One and Aston Martin Valkyrie, if they come to fruition, are sure to change the auto industry forever!

Itching to see this performance technology in action? Formula 1 lands stateside November 1-3 for the U.S. Grand Prix at the glamorous Circuit of The Americas just outside downtown Austin, Texas.