Formula 1 Cars Will Run on Electric Power in the Pit Lane in 2014

As the world of car manufacturers goes “greener” every day, it was expected that the world of motorsports will follow as well. The time has come for Formula 1 to embrace a bit of healthy behavior. The decision of incorporating “a buzzing-electric motor” into the fierce racers was not received as well as expected by the F1 enthusiasts, not to bring into discussion the fact that FIA also decided that the current high-revving V8 engines are to be replaced by 1.6-liter turbo V6 in 2014.

The sport's governing body, the FIA, has issued a mandate concerning the propulsion system of the car when entering the pit lane, meaning that all Formula 1 cars will run purely on electricity when they enter the pit lane. According to Rule 5.19 of the revised technical regulations,"the car must be run in electric mode (no ignition and no fuel supply to the engine) at all times when being driven in the pit lane,” as related by autogreenmag.com

To accommodate electric-only propulsion in and out of pit lane, the new Emergency Recovery Systems have been increased in capacity to 120kW, also the system will be able to recover energy from exhaust fumes. So, we have to enjoy as much as we can the melting sound that a Formula 1 car makes when comes in “hungry” for a fresh set of tires and refuel.

This will not be the only change brought by the FIA, as also by 2014, all F1 cars will have on-board starter motors which will add more to the car’s weight. Regulations for 2014 will impose smaller capacity turbocharged engines, this way increasing lap times of the cars in the next years.