The F1 Tech Lab.

F1 introduced Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems, giving drivers a limited boost from harvested braking energy. Early systems were heavy and unreliable but proved the concept.

• ·KERS allowed: up to 60kW output, 400kJ per lap
• ·Double diffusers permitted (exploited by Brawn, Toyota, Williams)
• ·Slick tyres returned after 11 seasons of grooved rubber
• ·Front wing width increased to 1800mm, adjustable from cockpit

The most technically complex power unit in motorsport history. A 1.6L turbocharged V6 paired with two Motor Generator Units — one harvesting heat from the turbo (MGU-H), one from braking (MGU-K) — plus a battery and control electronics.

• ·1.6L turbocharged V6 replaces 2.4L naturally aspirated V8
• ·MGU-K: 120kW motor, harvests kinetic energy under braking
• ·MGU-H: harvests heat energy from turbo shaft
• ·Energy Store: 4MJ battery per lap
• ·Combined output: approximately 760bhp (600kW)

Cars became wider, lower, and faster. Larger tyres and wings generated significantly more downforce — but also made following closely almost impossible, harming overtaking.

• ·Car width increased from 1800mm to 2000mm
• ·Rear tyre width: 305mm → 405mm
• ·Lap times reduced by approximately 4-5 seconds
• ·Downforce increased by ~20%
• ·Dirty air turbulence increased — following cars lost 35-50% downforce

The FIA introduced a financial cost cap of $145M per season, leveling the playing field between factory teams and privateers. A landmark regulatory shift that changed F1's competitive dynamic.

• ·$145M cost cap for 2021, reducing annually to $135M by 2023
• ·Excludes driver salaries, top 3 executives, marketing
• ·Parc fermé rules tightened to limit in-season development costs
• ·Token system for chassis development (limited changes per season)

A wholesale reset of F1 aerodynamics. Banned high-downforce wings in favor of sculpted underbodies generating downforce via the Venturi effect — producing similar grip but with far less turbulent wake, enabling closer racing.

• ·Venturi tunnels in underbody replace complex multi-element wings
• ·Following car downforce loss reduced from ~50% to ~4-18%
• ·18-inch wheels replace 13-inch, eliminating high-sidewall "balloon" tyres
• ·Wheel covers introduced to reduce tyre turbulence
• ·DRS retained but restricted to two activation zones per circuit

F1's most radical technical regulation change since 2014. The MGU-H is eliminated, electrical power from MGU-K doubles to 350kW, and moveable aerodynamic elements replace DRS — creating a genuine 50/50 combustion/electrical power split.

• ·MGU-H eliminated — reduces cost and complexity, enables new manufacturers
• ·MGU-K output: 120kW → 350kW (3x increase)
• ·Power split: 50% ICE / 50% electrical at sustained output
• ·New manufacturers: Ford (Red Bull), GM/Cadillac, Audi
• ·Active front and rear aerodynamics replace DRS system
• ·Car weight target reduced from 798kg to 768kg