F1 CAR GUIDE

Simple Formula 1 engineering guide

How every major part of an F1 car works.

A clear tour of aerodynamics, hybrid power, safety, suspension, brakes, drivetrain, cooling and electronics.

Explore 40 parts

The complete machine

Eight connected systems

Open a system to see its main parts, or type a name below.

01AerodynamicsCreates grip while controlling drag.AERO

Front wing

Creates front downforce and guides air around the front tyres.

Nose

Connects the wing to the chassis and contains a crash structure.

Floor

Uses tunnels beneath the car to generate much of its downforce.

Diffuser

Expands underfloor airflow at the rear to strengthen ground effect.

Rear wing

Creates rear downforce and changes configuration to reduce drag.

02Power unitTurns fuel and stored electricity into acceleration.POWER

1.6-litre V6

The turbocharged internal-combustion engine.

Turbocharger

Uses exhaust energy to compress intake air.

MGU-K

Recovers braking energy and can add electric power.

Battery

Stores electrical energy for later deployment.

Control electronics

Manage the high-voltage hybrid system.

03Chassis & safetyProtects the driver and carries the main loads.SAFE

Monocoque

The carbon-fibre survival cell at the centre of the car.

Halo

Protects the cockpit from large objects and impacts.

Cockpit

Contains the seat, belts, controls and driver protection.

Crash structures

Absorb energy at the front, rear and sides.

Fuel cell

A flexible, impact-resistant tank inside the chassis.

04Suspension & steeringKeeps the tyres working and turns the car.TURN

Wishbones

Locate each wheel and control its movement.

Pushrods or pullrods

Transfer wheel movement to inboard springs.

Springs and dampers

Control ride height, motion and oscillation.

Uprights

Carry hubs, brakes and suspension connections.

Steering rack

Turns steering-wheel movement into front-wheel angle.

05Brakes & tyresSlow the car and transmit force to the track.GRIP

Carbon brake discs

Convert speed into heat during braking.

Calipers and pads

Clamp the discs using hydraulic pressure.

Brake-by-wire

Blends rear braking with electrical energy recovery.

Wheel rims

Support the tyres and help manage brake heat.

Tyres

Provide the car’s only contact patches with the circuit.

06DrivetrainTransfers torque to the rear wheels.DRIVE

Clutch

Connects the engine to the transmission, mainly for starts.

Gearbox

Selects ratios to keep the power unit in its useful range.

Differential

Distributes torque while allowing different wheel speeds.

Driveshafts

Carry torque from the differential to the rear hubs.

Hydraulic actuators

Operate rapid gear changes and the clutch.

07Cooling & bodyworkControls temperatures with little aerodynamic loss.COOL

Sidepods

House coolers and shape airflow toward the rear.

Radiators

Move heat from coolant into passing air.

Airbox

Feeds the engine intake and some cooling ducts.

Oil coolers

Remove heat from engine and gearbox lubricant.

Cooling exits

Release hot air through bodywork openings.

08Electronics & controlsMeasures, controls and communicates.DATA

Standard ECU

Runs approved control software and records data.

Sensors

Measure temperatures, pressures, positions and motion.

Telemetry

Sends selected live data to the team.

Steering wheel

Combines steering, paddles, switches and a display.

Radio and cameras

Connect the driver, team, officials and broadcast.

One lap in three steps

Energy becomes lap time

  1. 1Create powerThe V6 and MGU-K send torque through the gearbox.
  2. 2Create gripWings and floor load the tyres while suspension keeps them stable.
  3. 3Recover energyThe brakes slow the car while the MGU-K recharges the battery.