FIA unveils F1 engine for 2013

After months of speculation, the specifications of the new Formula 1 engine have been defined. From 2013, the 4-cylinder 1.6 liter turbo will consume 35% less than the current V8.

Published on 10/12/2010 à 17:21

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La Formula 1, which will run for two more years with the traditional 8-liter V2.4, will change standards from the 2013 season, and engine manufacturers have two years to prepare for it. The new F1 engine will be, as has been expected for several months, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with high-pressure gasoline injection of up to 500 bars for a maximum of 12 rpm.

The FIA thus hopes for “a 35% reduction in fuel consumption”, while the energy recovery system will help it. In addition, the reliability and endurance of these new engines will have to be much better than the current V8s since, in 2013, each driver will have five engines for the entire season! The 4-cylinder 1.6 turbo will have to be able to operate for four F1 weekends, while the FIA wants to lower this limit to four engines for the 2014 season.

The challenge will therefore be significant for engine manufacturers, who are all starting from a blank sheet. One thing is certain: the 2013 engine will have to consume less while delivering maximum power, it will have to be even more reliable and durable than currently. A hell of a challenge for engine manufacturers involved in Formula 1!