In the world of motorsport, there is often confusion when it comes to the right nomenclature of racing cars. Beginners and experienced fans sometimes mistakenly refer to all cars as "formulas," forgetting subtle but important technical differences. Understanding that, What are the names of the machines in Formula 1?It helps to delve deeper into the history and engineering specifics of the championships.
The main character of the Grand Prix race is bolide. It is this term that is the most professional and accurate designation for a single-seat open-wheel racing car. Unlike serial cars or rally cars, the car is created solely to achieve maximum speed on ring tracks, and its design is strictly regulated by the technical regulations of the FIA.
In this article, we will examine not only the correct name, but also the evolution of these machines, their generational classification and key differences from other types of prototypes. You will learn why you should not confuse a car with a prototype and what changes have been undergoing aerodynamics in recent decades.
Main terminology: car, prototype and formula
The discussion of what cars are called in Formula 1 is to start with a basic definition. bolide It is a dedicated open-wheel racing car where the driver sits in an open cockpit (although the Halo protection system has been introduced in recent years). This term comes from French. bolideThis means "bullet" or "bullet", which perfectly describes the acceleration dynamics and high speed of these machines.
You often hear the word “formula” but it is not the name of the car, but a set of rules. Formula One The first formula means the upper class of races, where all participants must strictly follow the same technical regulations. There are many formulas: Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and in each of them the machines are built according to their own "formulas" (rules). Therefore, to call the machine itself simply a “formula” is grammatically and technically incorrect, although in colloquial speech this is allowed.
It is worth mentioning separately. prototype. Unlike Formula 1 cars, prototypes (such as those in Le Mans 24 Hours) usually have a closed body, two seats (although the second is often brewed) and are designed for endurance racing. The F1 is always a single-seat projectile with open wheels, created for sprint distances.
⚠️ Never confuse a Formula 1 car with an IndyCar. Despite their similarities (open wheels), they have different aerodynamics, engines and safety rules, and they also operate on different continents.
Engineers often use the term chassis in relation to the main load-bearing structure of the car, in which all the nodes are built. It is the chassis that is the “face” of the team, since the engines are often supplied by third-party manufacturers, and the body is developed independently.
Evolution of generations: from atmospheric to turbohybrids
The history of Formula 1 cars is divided into several key eras, each of which radically changed the appearance and name of the characteristics of the cars. Understanding these periods is necessary to classify the cars according to their technical essence.
The first major milestone was turbo-era 1980s. Then the cars were called “power monsters”, as engines with a volume of only 1.5 liters with turbocharging produced more than 1000 horsepower. This was a time when pilots were flying an unruly beast, and terminology was added to the words "turbo lag" and "boost pressure."
After the ban of turbines in 1989, the era began. air-powered. The cars became more reliable, the sound of the V10 and V12 engines became legendary, and the struggle shifted to the field of mechanical clutch and aerodynamics. During this period, cars were often classified by engine size: 3.5 liters, then 3.0 liters.
The current stage, which began in 2014, has brought turbo-hybrid power plants. Now the correct name for the unit is Power Unit (power plant), not just an engine. This is a complex symbiosis of the internal combustion engine (V6 Turbo) and electric motors that recover energy. The machines are quieter, but technologically more complex than any previous generation.
It is important to note that with each decade has changed and carbage. While the 80s saw a minimum weight of about 500 kg, modern regulations require more than 798 kg (including the pilot). This is done for safety and heavy hybrid systems.
Classification of cars by aerodynamic regulations
In an engineering environment, cars are often classified not by years, but by type of downforce and aerodynamic concepts. This division helps to understand how the car behaves on the track and what requirements are imposed on the pilot.
For a long time the concept has dominated. High Downforce (high downforce). The cars were built to “glue” to the asphalt on corners, sacrificing maximum speed on straight lines. Such cars require the pilot of huge physical endurance due to overloads of 5-6 G.
What is the ground effect?
The ground effect is an aerodynamic phenomenon in which air passing under the bottom of the car accelerates, creating a low pressure zone. This literally sucks the car to the track, allowing you to go through corners at great speed without using massive wings. The ground effect was banned in F1 in 1983 and returned in 2022.
In 2022, there was a revolutionary transition to the regulation of Ground Effect (ground effect). The machines received a flat bottom with tunnels and simplified front and rear wings. The goal was to reduce turbulent air footprint to facilitate overtaking. These cars are called “new generation cars” or “ground effect cars”.
There is also a division by type of tracks for which the car is customized on a particular weekend:
- 🏁 Low Downforce setup Configuration with minimal air resistance for tracks like Monza or Baku, where speed on straight lines is important.
- 🌀 High Downforce setup - setting with maximum wings for tracks like Monaco or Silverstone, where there are many turns.
- ⚖️ Balanced setup A compromise option for urban routes or mixed configurations.
Aerodynamic efficiency is measured in wind tunnels and simulators. Engineers are constantly looking for a balance between drag (resistance) and downforce (downforce). A mistake in calculations can cost the team seconds on the lap.
Technical characteristics of modern cars
The modern Formula 1 car is the pinnacle of engineering thought. To understand how it differs from any other machine on the planet, you need to consider its key parameters. These data are strictly controlled by the FIA and form the basis for the technical clause of the Regulation.
The heart of the machine is powerplant. Unlike older atmospheric engines, the modern 1.6-liter V6 is paired with two energy recovery systems: MGU-K (kinetic energy) and MGU-H (thermal exhaust energy). The efficiency of such installations exceeds 50%, which is a record for internal combustion engines.
Pay attention to the fuel limit. Unlike in the past, where you could pour as much gasoline as you want, now the race allocated strictly 110 kg of fuel. This forces engineers and pilots to save resources on each lap.
The chassis of modern cars is made from carbon-plastic (carbon fiber) This material has incredible tensile strength and at the same time is very light. The Monocoque (pilot capsule) withstands the impacts of enormous force, protecting the life of the rider. The weight of the entire car with the pilot and the remaining fuel can not be less than 798 kg.
For clarity, compare the key parameters of cars of different eras:
| Parameter | Era V10 (2004) | Era V8 (2012) | Turbohybrids (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine. | V10 3.0 l | V8 2.4 l | V6 Turbo 1.6 L |
| Power | ~900 hp. | ~750 hp | ~1000+ hp (with ERS) |
| Min. weight | 605 kg | 640 kg | 798 kg |
| Max. speed | 360 km/h | 350 km/h | 370+ km/h |
The braking system also deserves attention. Carbon-carbon discs can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius. The braking efficiency is such that from 300 km / h to 100 km / h the car stops in less than 100 meters.
Naming and numbering of machines
In Formula 1 there is a strict system of identification of cars. Until 2014, the numbers were issued according to the results of the championship: the pilot who took first place received No. 1, the second - No. 2, and so on. This created confusion as the numbers changed each year.
Since 2014, the system has been implemented personal numbers. The driver chooses a unique number (from 2 to 99, number 1 is reserved for the reigning champion) that stays with him throughout his career. Lewis Hamilton is always No.44 and Max Verstappen is No. 1 (champion) or No. 33 (number chosen).
⚠️ Warning: Number 17 is permanently assigned to Jules Bianchi after his tragic death in 2014. No driver can choose this number for his car.
On board the car also indicates the name of the team and sponsors. However, technically, the machine in the documents of the FIA is often referred to by the scheme: Chassis Name + Engine Supplier. The Red Bull RB20 Honda RBPT. The chassis design name (RB20) is the key identifier for a particular season.
Each team is required to declare two cars to participate in the race. The protocols refer to them as Car NoX and Car NoY, where X and Y are the pilot numbers. This is important for telemetry and pit stop strategy, when engineers in the boxes see data from two cars at once.
The future of the nomenclature: the new rules of 2026
Motorsport is not standing still, and is already discussing what the cars will be called and look like after 2026. The new technical regulations are a game-changer, with a focus on sustainable development and electrification.
The key change will be to increase capacity. electric power plant. If now the electrical components produce about 160 kW, then in 2026 their capacity will triple. This will result in an X-Mode mode for overtaking when only electricity is running.
☑️ What will change in the cars of 2026?
It is also expected to appear. cock-and-drop. Pilots will be able to change the configuration of the rear wing and front wing flaps not only on straight lines (as the DRS is now), but also depending on the track section to optimize the balance of the car.
Terminology can also be enriched with new words related to the sustainable fuels (sustainable fuels). The cars will remain cars, but their heart will run on synthetic fuels made from non-food raw materials or capturing CO2 from the atmosphere.
The Formula 1 car is not just a racing car, but a complex technological complex, the name and characteristics of which are strictly regulated and change with each new generation of rules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are Formula 1 cars called cars and not just race cars?
The term "bolide" is used to emphasize their specific design: single body, open wheels and lack of comfort elements. This distinguishes them from coupes, closed-body prototypes or touring cars.
What is the difference between chassis and car?
The chassis is a load-bearing structure (framework) on which the engine, suspension and cockpit are installed. The car is a fully assembled car, ready to go on the track, including the chassis, power plant and all systems.
Can the driver change the number of the car during the season?
No, the selected personal number is assigned to the pilot for the entire season and, as a rule, for the entire career. The only exception is the current world champion, who can choose number 1 but has the right to keep his personal number.
Why don't F1 cars have headlights?
Formula 1 races are held only in daylight hours or under the powerful artificial lighting of the track (as in Bahrain or Singapore). Installing headlights would increase weight and disrupt aerodynamics, so they are not provided for in the regulations.
What does the abbreviation DRS on the car mean?
DRS (Drag Reduction System) is a system for reducing aerodynamic drag. The pilot can open the movable rear wing element in straight areas to increase maximum speed and overtake.