Editing Formula One (section)

==Cars and technology==
{{Main|Formula One car|Formula One engines|Formula One tyres}}
[[File:Button Spain 2009.jpg|thumb|[[Jenson Button]] in the [[Brawn BGP 001]]]]
Modern Formula One cars are [[mid-engined]], hybrid, semi-open cockpit, [[open-wheel]] single-seaters. The [[chassis]] is made largely of [[carbon-fibre composite]]s, rendering it light but extremely stiff and strong. The whole car, including the driver but not fuel, weighs only {{convert|800|kg|lb|abbr=on}} – the minimum weight set by the regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elshebiny |first=Yara |date=March 23, 2025 |title=The F1 Car Weight Rule That Cost Leclerc And Gasly 2025 Chinese GP Results |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/yaraelshebiny/2025/03/23/the-f1-car-weight-rule-that-cost-leclerc-and-gasly-2025-chinese-gp-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250323141021/https://www.forbes.com/sites/yaraelshebiny/2025/03/23/the-f1-car-weight-rule-that-cost-leclerc-and-gasly-2025-chinese-gp-results/ |archive-date=23 March 2025 |access-date=9 April 2025 |website=Forbes |language=en-US}}</ref> If the construction of the car is lighter than the minimum, it can be [[ballast]]ed up to add the necessary weight. The race teams take advantage of this by placing this ballast at the extreme bottom of the chassis, thereby locating the [[centre of gravity]] as low as possible in order to improve handling and [[weight transfer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2014/1/15408.html |title=A racing revolution? Understanding 2014's technical regulations |website=Formula1.com |date=24 January 2014 |access-date=17 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109221052/http://www.formula1.com/news/features/2014/1/15408.html |archive-date=9 November 2014 }}</ref>

The cornering speed of Formula One cars is largely determined by the aerodynamic [[downforce]] that they generate, which pushes the car down onto the track. This is provided by "wings" mounted at the front and rear of the vehicle, and by [[Ground effect (cars)|ground effect]] created by low air pressure under the flat bottom of the car. The aerodynamic design of the cars is very heavily constrained to limit performance. The previous generation of cars sported a large number of small winglets, "barge boards", and turning vanes designed to closely control the flow of the air over, under, and around the car.

The other major factor controlling the cornering speed of the cars is the design of the [[tyres]]. From {{F1|1998}} to {{F1|2008}}, the tyres in Formula One were not "[[slicks]]" (tyres with no tread pattern) as in most other circuit racing series. Instead, each tyre had four large circumferential grooves on its surface designed to limit the cornering speed of the cars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/understanding_the_sport/5283.html |title=Tyres |access-date=4 July 2008 |website=Formula1.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218202246/http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/understanding_the_sport/5283.html |archive-date=18 December 2008 }}</ref> Slick tyres returned to Formula One in the {{F1|2009}} season. Suspension is [[double wishbone]] or [[Multi-link suspension|multilink]] front and rear, with pushrod operated springs and [[Shock absorber|dampers]] on the [[chassis]] – one exception being that of the 2009 specification [[Red Bull Racing]] car ([[RB5]]) which used pullrod suspension at the rear, the first car to do so since the [[Minardi]] PS01 in 2001. [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]] used a pullrod suspension at both the front and rear in their {{F1|2012}} car.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2012/0/930.html|title=2012 Ferrari – pre-launch overview|access-date=2 February 2012|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=2 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202081523/http://www.formula1.com/news/technical/2012/0/930.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Both Ferrari (F138) and McLaren (MP4-28) of the 2013 season used a pullrod suspension at both the front and the rear. In {{F1|2022}}, [[McLaren]] ([[McLaren MCL36|MCL36]]) and [[Red Bull Racing]] ([[RB18]]) switched to a pullrod front suspension and push rod rear suspension.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oracle Red Bull Racing |url=https://www.redbullracing.com/int-en |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=redbullracing.com |language=en |archive-date=1 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301212942/https://www.redbullracing.com/int-en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Analysis: The key feature on the MCL36 that McLaren are hoping will give them an edge on rivals |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.analysis-the-key-feature-on-the-mcl36-that-mclaren-are-hoping-will-give-them.6IaZdMm4KfhJmt9toSxVTO.html |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=formula1.com |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212182234/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.analysis-the-key-feature-on-the-mcl36-that-mclaren-are-hoping-will-give-them.6IaZdMm4KfhJmt9toSxVTO.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Carbon-carbon]] [[disc brakes]] are used for reduced weight and increased frictional performance. These provide a very high level of braking performance and are usually the element that provokes the greatest reaction from drivers new to the formula. The carbon<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 March 2024 |title=F1 infographics |url=https://www.brembo.com/en/car/formula-1/f1-infographics |website=Brembo}}</ref> material enhances the brakes by maintaining an effective performance<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 March 2024 |title=Formula One Breaking Systems |url=https://www.mercedesamgf1.com/news/formula-one-brake-systems-explained |website=AMG Petronas Formula One Team}}</ref> under extreme heat. To optimise this, the brakes feature 1,000 ventilation holes, ensuring for maximum performance and cooling.

In {{F1|2022}}, the technical regulations changed considerably in order to reduce the [[turbulence]] (commonly referred to as "dirty air") produced by the aerodynamics of the car. This includes a redesigned front and rear wing, larger wheels with a lower tyre profile, wheel covers, small winglets, the banning of barge boards, and the reintroduction of [[Ground effect (cars)|Ground effect]] downforce production. These have been changed to promote racing, meaning cars lose less downforce when following another car. It allows cars to follow another at a much closer distance, without extending the gap due to the turbulent air.<ref>{{Cite web |title=10 things you need to know about the all-new 2022 F1 car |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-all-new-2022-f1-car.4OLg8DrXyzHzdoGrbqp6ye.html |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=formula1.com |language=en |archive-date=25 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525004734/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-all-new-2022-f1-car.4OLg8DrXyzHzdoGrbqp6ye.html |url-status=live }}</ref> (See [[2022 Formula One World Championship#Technical regulations|2022 Formula One World Championship Technical regulations]])

Formula One cars must have four wheels made of the same metallic material, which must be one of two [[magnesium alloy]]s specified by the FIA.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/tyres-and-wheels.html|title=Tyres and wheels|website=Formula1.com|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=1 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301141640/https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/tyres-and-wheels.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Magnesium wheels|Magnesium alloy wheels]] made by [[forging]] are used to achieve maximum [[Unsprung weight|unsprung rotating weight]] reduction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f1wheels.com/|title=F1 Wheels|first=Paul|last=Mintskovsky|website=f1wheels.com|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-date=14 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014131517/https://f1wheels.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2022, the wheels are covered with "spec" (Standardised) Wheel Covers, the wheel diameter has increased from 13 inches to 18 inches (reducing the "tyre profile"), and small winglets have been placed over the front tyres.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Formula 1 in 2022: Explaining the new rules and car changes as teams prepare for first launches |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12524402/formula-1-in-2022-explaining-the-new-rules-and-car-changes-as-teams-prepare-for-first-launches |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=Sky Sports |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210030411/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12524402/formula-1-in-2022-explaining-the-new-rules-and-car-changes-as-teams-prepare-for-first-launches |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:BMW Sauber F1.06 engine.jpg|thumb|A [[BMW Sauber]] P86 V8 engine, which powered their {{F1|2006}} F1.06]]
Starting with the 2014 Formula 1 season, the engines have changed from a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 to turbocharged 1.6-litre V6 power-units.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2011/6/12134.html|title=2013 engine changes approved, but postponement possible|date=3 June 2011|access-date=16 December 2012|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=17 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117085257/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2011/6/12134.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> These get a significant amount of their power from electric motors. In addition, they include a lot of energy recovery technology. Engines run on unleaded fuel closely resembling publicly available petrol.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/rules_and_regulations/technical_regulations/6852/default.html|title=FIA Sporting Regulations&nbsp;– Fuel|access-date=23 May 2008|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=8 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100908052019/http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/rules_and_regulations/technical_regulations/6852/default.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The oil which lubricates and protects the engine from overheating is very similar in viscosity to water. The 2006 generation of engines spun up to 20,000&nbsp;[[rpm]] and produced over {{cvt|780|bhp|kW|disp=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Renault F1 engine listing |url=http://www.allf1.info/engines/renault.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918030815/http://allf1.info/engines/renault.php |archive-date=18 September 2010 |url-status=dead |access-date=1 June 2007 }}</ref> For {{F1|2007}}, engines were restricted to 19,000&nbsp;rpm with limited development areas allowed, following the engine specification freeze since the end of {{F1|2006}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/rules_and_regulations/technical_regulations/6851/|title=FIA Sporting Regulations&nbsp;– Engine|access-date=23 May 2008|website=Formula1.com|archive-date=1 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501075024/http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/rules_and_regulations/technical_regulations/6851/|url-status=dead}}</ref> For the 2009 Formula One season the engines were further restricted to 18,000&nbsp;rpm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/7C4F8D883039AF6AC125757D00369C58/$FILE/1-2009_F1_TECHNICAL_REGULATIONS_Showing-Alterations_17-03-2009.pdf|title= FIA Formula One World Championship&nbsp;– 2009 Technical Regulations|access-date=4 April 2009|work=FIA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407080302/http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/7C4F8D883039AF6AC125757D00369C58/$FILE/1-2009_F1_TECHNICAL_REGULATIONS_Showing-Alterations_17-03-2009.pdf|archive-date=7 April 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

A wide variety of technologies – including active suspension<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Suspension_and_steering_systems.html |title=F1 regulations: Suspension and steering systems |access-date=9 August 2015 |archive-date=22 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822064341/http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Suspension_and_steering_systems.html |url-status=live }}</ref> are banned under the current regulations. Despite this the current generation of cars can reach speeds in excess of {{convert|350|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} at some circuits.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grand Prix of Italy |url=http://www.fia.com/sport/Championships/F1/F1_Circuits/2006/Italy/circuit.html |access-date=12 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609113707/http://www.fia.com/sport/Championships/F1/F1_Circuits/2006/Italy/circuit.html |archive-date=9 June 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The highest straight line speed recorded during a Grand Prix was {{convert|372.6|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}, set by [[Juan Pablo Montoya]] during the [[2005 Italian Grand Prix]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://f1chronicle.com/the-fastest-f1-cars-of-all-time/ |title=The Fastest F1 Cars of All-Time |date=9 October 2021 |access-date=2 January 2022 |archive-date=2 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102024112/https://f1chronicle.com/the-fastest-f1-cars-of-all-time/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During qualifying for the [[2016 European Grand Prix#Qualifying|2016 European Grand Prix]], [[Valtteri Bottas]] set a record top speed of 378&nbsp;km/h (234.9&nbsp;mph).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Coleman |first=Madeline |title=F1 Azerbaijan GP track breakdown: Baku's unique challenge requires compromise |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5760603/2024/09/12/f1-azerbaijan-gp-track-breakdown-baku-circuit/ |date=12 September 2024 |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=[[The Athletic]] |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126130823/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5760603/2024/09/12/f1-azerbaijan-gp-track-breakdown-baku-circuit/ |archive-date=26 January 2025}}</ref> A [[BAR 007|BAR-Honda Formula One car]], running with minimum downforce on a runway in the [[Mojave Desert]] achieved a top speed of {{convert|415|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} in 2006. According to Honda, the car fully met the FIA Formula One regulations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/bonneville-400/ |title=Bonneville 400 |publisher=Racecar Engineering |date=5 August 2008 |access-date=30 August 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924083901/http://www.racecar-engineering.com/articles/bonneville-400/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Even with the limitations on aerodynamics, at {{convert|160|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} aerodynamically generated downforce is equal to the weight of the car, and the oft-repeated claim that Formula One cars create enough downforce to "drive on the ceiling", while possible in principle, has never been put to the test. Downforce of 2.5 times the car's weight can be achieved at full speed. The downforce means that the cars can achieve a lateral force with a magnitude of up to 3.5 times that of the force of gravity (3.5g) in cornering.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/understanding_the_sport/5281.html |title=Aerodynamics |website=Formula1.com |access-date=30 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326180548/http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/understanding_the_sport/5281.html |archive-date=26 March 2014 }}</ref> Consequently, the driver's head is pulled sideways with a force equivalent to the weight of 20&nbsp;kg in corners. Such high lateral forces are enough to make breathing difficult and the drivers need supreme concentration and fitness to maintain their focus for the one to two hours that it takes to complete the race. A high-performance road car like the [[Enzo Ferrari (car)|Enzo Ferrari]] only achieves around 1g.<!--the Enzo ref isn't great quality --><ref>{{cite web |title=Ferrari Enzo |url=http://www.fast-autos.net/vehicles/Ferrari/2003/Enzo/ |access-date=15 March 2007 |archive-date=7 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507085803/http://fast-autos.net/vehicles/Ferrari/2003/Enzo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{as of|2019}}, each team may have no more than two cars available for use at any time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Spare_cars.html |title=F1 regulations: Spare Cars |access-date=9 August 2015 |archive-date=22 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822063733/http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Spare_cars.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Each driver may use no more than four engines during a championship season unless they drive for more than one team. If more engines are used, they drop ten places on the starting grid of the event at which an additional engine is used. The only exception is where the engine is provided by a manufacturer or supplier taking part in its first championship season, in which case up to five may be used by a driver.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Power_Unit_and_ERS.html |title=F1 regulations: Power unit and ERS |access-date=9 August 2015 |archive-date=12 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812044522/http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Power_Unit_and_ERS.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Each driver may use no more than one gearbox for six consecutive events; every unscheduled gearbox change requires the driver to drop five places on the grid unless they failed to finish the previous race due to reasons beyond the team's control.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Transmission_gearbox.html |title=F1 regulations: Gearboxes |website=Formula1.com |access-date=9 August 2015 |archive-date=22 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822064019/http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/inside-f1/rules-regs/Transmission_gearbox.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{as of|2019}}, each driver is limited to three power units per season, before incurring grid penalties.