F1 engines: Which power unit manufacturer does each F1 team use?
The Formula 1 grid is divided into works and customer teams when it comes to power units, with some manufacturing them for their own team and then selling to their customers to allow them to go racing.
The FIA has in recent years put regulations in place to ensure that a customer team gets the same quality of engine that the works outfit runs, with Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda and Renault the four current manufactures on the F1 grid. Let us then take a look through the 10 teams to identify which power unit they each use.
Red Bull
Engine used: Red Bull Powertrains [Honda]
After Honda’s failed McLaren reunion, the Japanese brand joined forces with Red Bull, initially linking up with their junior team Toro Rosso for 2018.
The main Red Bull team also took on the Honda power unit from 2019 as the union returned Red Bull and Honda to title-winning ways from 2021, with three Drivers’ and two Constructors’ titles claimed since.
Honda sits on an overall tally of 16 F1 titles, split evenly with eight Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship triumphs. They officially left in 2021, though their intellectual property transferred to the newly-formed Red Bull Powertrains for 2022 until 2025.
Mercedes
Engine used: Mercedes
The Mercedes power unit came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders at the start of the turbo-hybrid era, powering the team to eight Constructors’ Championship titles in a row between 2014-21.
It remains the most popular PU on the grid, powering the Mercedes works team and three customer outfits. A total of 13 Drivers’ and 10 Constructors’ titles have been won in F1 with the Mercedes PU.
Ferrari
Engine used: Ferrari
Ferrari are F1’s most iconic team, having been present on the grid ever since the first World Championship back in 1950.
The Ferrari engine powers the works team and multiple customers, an engine with 16 Constructors and 15 Drivers’ Championship wins to its name and almost 250 grand prix victories.
McLaren
Engine used: Mercedes
McLaren went through a sticky patch in the 2010s, with their return to Honda power failing to get anywhere near past glories, before a largely unsuccessful spell with the Renault power unit followed.
McLaren returned to Mercedes power as of 2021 and found stability once more, reigniting that title-winning alliance that ran from 1995-2014, as McLaren now climb the ranks again with sights set on fresh title glory, having signed a new deal to buy in the Mercedes engine through to the end of 2030.
Aston Martin
Engine used: Mercedes
Another team that relies on Mercedes power is Aston Martin, who like fellow customer McLaren, will be very satisfied with the quality of their purchase.
This has been a long-standing alliance, Aston Martin’s use of the Mercedes engine traceable back through various identities of the team all the way to Force India.
Alpine
Engine used: Renault
The final works team on the list is Alpine, who has exclusive use of the power unit from their parent brand Renault.
There is absolutely no shortage of title success over the history of the Renault PU, with 12 Constructors’ and 11 Drivers’ titles to its name, but recent years have seen Renault struggling to keep up with the engine performance of their rival manufacturers.
Williams
Engine used: Mercedes
Onto the final Mercedes customer, Williams has stuck with the Mercedes power unit throughout the V6 turbo-hybrid era, after making the switch from Renault for the start of the 2014 campaign.
In-keeping with fellow customers McLaren and Aston Martin, the strong performance and reliability of the Mercedes PU has also allowed for the green shoots of recovery to emerge at Williams.
AlphaTauri
Engine used: Red Bull Powertrains [Honda]
Red Bull sent their junior team to be the guinea pig for the Honda engine back in 2018, that campaign enough to convince the main team to follow suit. What a wise choice it was!
The standout Honda-powered moment for Red Bull’s development team was undoubtedly Pierre Gasly claiming victory at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.
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Sauber
Engine used: Ferrari
Onto the Ferrari engine customers now, starting with Sauber, who since 2010, through their BMW Sauber, Alfa Romeo and Sauber iterations, has continued to use the Ferrari PU.
A multi-time podium finisher with Ferrari power, Sauber are yet to claim the distinction of being a grand prix winner with the Prancing Horse in the back of their challenger.
Haas
Engine used: Ferrari
Haas take their relationship with Ferrari further than Sauber, as Haas’ technical partnership sees them rely on all permitted Ferrari parts, the power unit included.
This is a strategy which Haas has used ever since they joined the Formula 1 grid back in 2016.
Formula 1 Engines | All you need to know about F1 car engines
Formula 1 engines are the epitome of cutting-edge technology and science. All F1 car engines must be 1.6-liter V6 units with turbocharging and hybrid-electric technologies. Also check out how do F1 engines work.
Last updated: 26.04.2023
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4 min read
Formula One, commonly referred to as F1, is the world’s most prestigious and popular form of auto racing. F1 cars are high-performance machines that can reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour, and one of the most important components of an F1 car is its engine. In this article, we will discuss F1 engines, their manufacturers, and who provides engines to whom.
An F1 engine is a complex piece of machinery that is designed to deliver the maximum amount of power while being lightweight and compact. These engines are typically V6 engines with a displacement of 1.6 liters, and they use turbochargers to boost their power output. F1 engines are incredibly powerful, producing around 1000 horsepower and revving up to 20,000 RPM(Revolutions per minute).To put this in perspective, most road cars have a redline of around 6,000 RPM.
F1 engines are based on a V6 turbocharged engine layout, which features a single turbocharger to boost the air intake pressure and force more air into the engine, producing more power. The turbocharger uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn powers a compressor that forces more air into the engine.
F1 engines are also known for their incredible efficiency. They can convert over 50% of the fuel’s energy into power, while a typical road car engine converts only around 20% of the fuel’s energy into power. This efficiency is achieved through advanced engineering and materials, as well as the use of turbocharging and hybrid technology.
One of the most unique features of F1 engines is their hybrid technology. F1 engines use a combination of a traditional internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a battery pack that is charged by the kinetic energy produced during braking. This technology is called KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) and is used to boost the car’s performance during acceleration.
In addition to the V6 turbocharged engine layout, F1 engines also feature advanced hybrid systems that use electrical energy to boost the engine’s power output. The hybrid system includes two electric motors, one that captures energy from the exhaust gases and another that captures energy from braking. This captured energy is stored in a battery and can be used to power the electric motor, providing an additional power boost to the engine.
F1 Engine Manufacturers:
There are currently four engine manufacturers in F1: Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Honda, and Renault. Each of these manufacturers has a long history in the sport and has produced some of the most successful engines in F1 history.
Mercedes-Benz is currently the dominant engine manufacturer in F1, providing engines to Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team, and Williams Racing. Mercedes has won the F1 Constructors’ Championship seven times in a row, from 2014 to 2020, and has also won the Drivers’ Championship six times during this period.
Ferrari is another iconic name in F1 and has been involved in the sport since its inception. Ferrari currently provides engines to Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. Ferrari has won the F1 Constructors’ Championship 16 times and the Drivers’ Championship 15 times.
Honda has a long history in F1 and has produced engines for several teams over the years. Currently, Honda provides engines to Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri. Honda has won the F1 Constructors’ Championship six times and the Drivers’ Championship five times.
Renault is another well-known name in F1 and has produced engines for several teams over the years. Currently, Renault provides engines to Alpine F1 Team and McLaren F1 Team. Renault has won the F1 Constructors’ Championship twice and the Drivers’ Championship twice.
Who Provides Engines to Whom:
The F1 engine manufacturers provide their engines to teams on a contractual basis. These contracts are typically for several years and include provisions for engine development and support. The teams then use these engines in their cars to compete in races.
Mercedes-Benz provides engines to Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team, and Williams Racing.
Ferrari provides engines to Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN.
Honda provides engines to Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri.
Renault provides engines to Alpine F1 Team and McLaren F1 Team.
In conclusion, F1 engines are an essential part of an F1 car’s performance, and they are designed to deliver the maximum amount of power while being lightweight and compact. The four engine manufacturers in F1, Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Honda, and Renault, are all iconic names in the sport and have produced some of the most successful engines in F1 history.
The Evolution of Formula 1 Engines: From Water Pumps to Hybrids
F ormula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport, where the best drivers compete in the fastest and most technologically advanced machines. But what makes these machines so fast?
The answer lies in their engines, or power units, as they are called today. These are the heart and soul of every F1 car, and they have gone through a remarkable evolution over the years.
F1 engines are much more than just powerful machines that burn fuel and produce speed. They are complex systems that combine internal combustion, turbocharging, hybrid electric components, and sophisticated software to achieve incredible levels of efficiency and performance.
I will take you through the journey of F1 engines, and how these engines work (will try to keep it as non-technical as possible) from their humble beginnings as water pumps to their current state as hybrid marvels.
I will also highlight some of the major changes that have taken place pertaining to the engines over the last 70 years. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!
But first, let’s get down to some basics and understand how an F1 engine actually works —
How do F1 Engines Work?
F1 engines are based on a common formula that is defined by the FIA, the governing body of the sport.
The current formula, which was introduced in 2014 and will remain in place until at least 2025, specifies that each team must use a 4-stroke 1.6 litre V6 engine with a single turbocharger and two hybrid electric systems.
The 4-stroke cycle of an internal combustion engine consists of four phases: Intake, Compression, Power, and Exhaust.
- In the intake phase, air and fuel are drawn into the cylinder through a valve.
- In the compression phase, the piston moves up and squeezes the air-fuel mixture.
- In the power phase, a spark plug ignites the mixture, causing an explosion that pushes the piston down and rotates the crankshaft.
- In the exhaust phase, the piston moves up again and pushes out the burnt gases through another valve.
⭐ The V6 configuration means that there are six cylinders arranged in a V-shape, with three on each side of the engine block. The angle between the two banks of cylinders is 90 degrees, which helps balance the forces and vibrations generated by the engine.
⭐ The Turbocharger is a device that uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which in turn drives a compressor that forces more air into the engine. This increases the power output of the engine by allowing more fuel to be burned.
⭐ The Hybrid Electric systems are known as MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit — Kinetic) and MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit — Heat).
The MGU-K is connected to the crankshaft and can either harvest kinetic energy from braking or deliver electric power to boost acceleration.
The MGU-H is connected to the turbocharger and can either harvest heat energy from exhaust gases or deliver electric power to spool up the turbocharger faster.
Both MGU-K and MGU-H can store energy in a battery or use it directly.
⭐ The maximum permitted RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of an F1 engine is 15,000, which means that each piston moves up and down 250 times per second. However, they are electronically limited to 12,000 as of the 2022 season to reduce costs and improve reliability.
⭐ The power output of an F1 engine is estimated to be over 1000 horsepower (hp), which is equivalent to about 750 kilowatts (kW).
The most powerful engine — The BMW M12/13 Turbo, produced in excess of 1,400 horsepower.
How F1 Engines Have Evolved?
F1 engines have gone through many changes since the inception of the sport in 1950. The engine formula has been revised several times to reflect technological advancements, safety concerns, environmental issues, and sporting objectives.
Here are some of the most notable eras of F1 engine history —
The Early Days: 1947–1953
Formula 1 was born in 1947, when the FIA (the governing body of motorsport) established a set of rules for Grand Prix racing.
The rules allowed two types of engines:
4.5-litre atmospheric (or naturally aspirated) engines, or
1.5-litre supercharged engines.
Supercharging means using a device that forces more air into the engine, increasing its power output.
1.5 litre V12 Supercharged Engine from the Ferrari 125
Renault 1.5 litre Turbo Engine
The first F1 season was held in 1950 and featured seven races across Europe. The dominant engine at the time was the Alfa Romeo 158, a supercharged 1.5-litre straight-eight that produced around 350 horsepower. It was so powerful that it won all but one race in the first two seasons.
However, not all engines were as sophisticated as the Alfa Romeo. Some were actually derived from water pumps, such as the Coventry-Climax FPF, which was used by several British teams in the early 1950s.
It was a four-cylinder inline engine that came in various displacements, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 litres.
A 2.5 L V8 in a Lancia-Ferrari D50 (1955–1956)
Ferrari 553 “Squalo”, 2.5-litre engine
The Rise of Ferrari: 1954–1966
In 1954, the FIA changed the rules to allow only 2.5-litre atmospheric engines or 0.75-litre supercharged engines. This was done to reduce costs and increase reliability, as well as to encourage more manufacturers to enter the sport.
One manufacturer that took advantage of this change was Ferrari, which had been struggling to compete with Alfa Romeo in previous years. Ferrari developed a new engine, a 2.5-litre V12 that delivered over 250 horsepower.
It was nicknamed “the Lampredi engine”, after its designer Aurelio Lampredi.
A 2-liter Ferrari four-cylinder engine designed by Aurelio Lampredi; in a Ferrari 500 TR
Aurelio Lampredi (right), Enzo Ferrari (center) and Luigi Bazzi (left) next to a Lampredi inline-4
Lampredi Tipo 121 I6 engine
The Lampredi engine gave Ferrari an edge over its rivals, and helped them win their first drivers’ and constructors’ championships in 1956. It also proved to be very versatile, as it could be adapted to different configurations and displacements over the years.
Another notable engine from this era was the Maserati 250F, a six-cylinder inline engine that powered Juan Manuel Fangio to his fourth and fifth titles in 1954 and 1957. It was praised for its smoothness and responsiveness and was considered one of the best engines of its time.
The Cosworth Revolution: 1967–1985
In 1966, another rule change shook up the F1 engine scene. The FIA increased the maximum displacement for atmospheric engines to 3 litres, while banning supercharged engines altogether.
This meant that teams had to develop new engines from scratch or modify existing ones to fit the new regulations.
A Cosworth DFV 3-litre V8 Formula One engine
One team that faced this challenge was Lotus, which had been using Coventry-Climax engines until then. Lotus founder Colin Chapman decided to look for a new engine supplier and found one in Cosworth, a British company that specialized in tuning Ford engines for racing.
Cosworth agreed to design and build a new engine for Lotus, with financial support from Ford. The result was the Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve), a 3-litre V8 that made its debut in 1967. It was an instant success, winning its first race with Jim Clark behind the wheel.
The Cosworth DFV was not only powerful (reaching over 400 horsepower by the end of its life), but also reliable, lightweight and cheap.
It became the most popular engine in F1 history, winning 155 races and 12 drivers’ and constructors’ championships between 1967 and 1983. It was used by almost every team at some point, except Ferrari, which stuck to its own V12 engines.
The Cosworth DFV also spawned several derivatives, such as the DFY, the DFR and the DFW, which were used until 1985. It was also the basis for the turbocharged Cosworth GBA, which was used by Benetton and Ligier in 1986 and 1987.
The Turbo Era: 1977–1988
While the Cosworth DFV dominated the F1 scene for almost two decades, a new technology was emerging that would challenge its supremacy: Turbocharging.
Turbocharging is a process that forces more air into the engine, increasing its power output. It also allows for smaller and lighter engines, which can improve the car’s handling and aerodynamics.
The first team to experiment with turbocharging in F1 was Renault, which introduced a 1.5-litre V6 turbo engine in 1977.
It was nicknamed “The Yellow Teapot”, because of its colour and its tendency to overheat and spew smoke. It was also very unreliable and laggy, meaning that there was a delay between the driver pressing the throttle and the engine delivering power.
However, Renault persisted with its turbo project, and gradually improved its engine over the years. By 1983, it had become a formidable force, winning four races and challenging for the title with Alain Prost. It also inspired other manufacturers to follow suit, such as Ferrari, BMW, Honda, Porsche and Ford.
A 1988 Honda RA168E Turbocharged V6 engine
The turbo era reached its peak in the mid-1980s, when the engines produced over 1000 horsepower in qualifying trim, and over 800 horsepower in race trim. The cars were incredibly fast, but also very dangerous, as they were prone to sudden bursts of power and torque that could catch out even the most skilled drivers.
The FIA decided to limit the power of the turbo engines by introducing a fuel limit of 150 litres per race in 1984, and a boost pressure limit of 4 bar in 1986. These measures reduced the power output to around 600–700 horsepower but also increased the complexity and cost of the engines.
The turbo era came to an end in 1988, when the FIA banned turbocharged engines altogether, and mandated a new formula of 3.5-litre atmospheric engines for 1989.
A 1991 Honda RA121E V12 engine
The V10 Era: 1989–2005
The new engine formula of 3.5-litre atmospheric engines opened up a new range of possibilities for the manufacturers. They could choose between different configurations and cylinder numbers, such as V8, V10 or V12.
The most common choice was the V10, which offered a good balance between power, weight and fuel efficiency.
The power output increased steadily from around 600 hp in 1989 to over 900 hp in 2005. The engines also became more reliable, with fewer failures and longer lifespans.
Ferrari Tipo 044/1 3.0-litre V12 F1 engine (1995)
Ferrari’s First V12 Formula One Engine
One of the most successful V10 engines was the Honda RA109E, which powered McLaren to both titles in 1989. It was followed by the Honda RA100E, which did the same in 1990 and 1991. Honda’s V10 engines were renowned for their reliability and performance, as well as their distinctive high-pitched sound.
A 1990 Renault RS2 V10 engine
Another notable V10 engine was the Renault RS01, which debuted in 1992 and won six consecutive constructors’ championships with Williams and Benetton from 1992 to 1997.
It was also used by several other teams, such as Ligier, Lotus and Sauber. Renault’s V10 engines were praised for their drivability and fuel efficiency, as well as their innovative features such as pneumatic valves and a fly-by-wire throttle.
A 2004 Ferrari model 053 V10 engine of the Ferrari F2004
The V8 Era: 2006–2013
This was the second era where the engine formula was standardized for all teams, with a 2.4 litre V8 configuration being mandated by the FIA.
The power output decreased slightly from around 800 hp in 2006 to around 750 hp in 2013. The engines also became more restricted, with limits on RPM, fuel flow, and engine development.
Renault RS26 2.4 V8 engine (2006)
Some of the most famous engines of this era were the Mercedes FO108Z V8, the Renault RS27 V8, and the Ferrari 056 V8.
Renault V6 Turbo Hybrid 2014
Mercedes F1 power units 2014–2018
The Turbo-Hybrid Era (2014-present)
This is the current era where the engine formula is standardized for all teams, with a 1.6 litre V6 turbo-hybrid configuration being mandated by the FIA.
The power output increased significantly from around 750 hp in 2014 to over 1000 hp in 2022. The engines also became more efficient, with less fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Some of the most famous engines of this era are the Mercedes PU106C Hybrid, the Ferrari 065/6 Hybrid, and the Honda RA621H Hybrid.
What Makes F1 Engines So Special?
F1 engines are special because they are the result of decades of innovation, competition, and passion. They are not just machines that make noise and speed, they are works of art that showcase human ingenuity and excellence.
They push the boundaries of what is possible in engineering, physics, and chemistry. They are not just devices that convert fuel into motion, they are systems that optimize every aspect of performance, efficiency, and reliability.
They are part of a sport that inspires millions of people around the world. They are not just tools for racing and winning, they are vehicles for entertainment and education.
F1 engines are special because they are more than just engines.
They create emotions and memories that last a lifetime. They are not just sources of power and thrill, they are symbols of glory and pride.
Ferrari Tipo 021 engine (1981) of the Ferrari 126CK
All Image Credits to Wikipedia
https://www.chaseyoursport.com/Formula-1/All-you-need-to-know-about-engines-in-F1-race-cars/2259
https://medium.com/formula-one-forever/the-evolution-of-formula-1-engines-from-water-pumps-to-hybrids-6a9bb59c50d6
