How a modern F1 Power Unit works
 

Here is a video of how the modern 1.6L V-6 hybrid power unit works in a F1 car:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vIjJg0lXgc

For 2017, the cars will be a lot quicker. They are changing the rules to make the cars about 4-5 seconds per lap quicker. They are doing this by increasing the downforce, making the tires wider, loosen engine regulations and allowing 5kg of more fuel to be used (instead of 100kg-100liters-26US Gallons they will use 105kg). The fuel volume is measured in kg because volume varies with temperature. I remember watching motorcycle races where the rider was freezing off his nuts the first few laps because the fuel was cooled to just above freezing temperature; this way you can put more fuel in the same tank. (On most motorcycles the fuel tank is located between your legs). Here is a video showing the F1 changes for next year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNFnN7YtbPM

The amount of engines and gearboxes used per season is limited as well. These engines and gearboxes are doing the same mileage as the 24h of LeMans cars. I think they can only use 6 gearboxes per season, and there are 20 races. The 8 speed gearbox can be changed, but the gear ratios have to stay the same throughout the season. This means that the teams have to optimize the gear ratios between tight and long racetracks. Last year the cars topped out at 372km/h (231mph) during the Mexico race. Not bad for a car that's built for high downforce. They say a modern F1 engine (just the engine alone) costs about $1.8 million.

Interesting.

Anyone following the Formula EV racing? Wonder how that's turning out and if there will be any trickle down tech to consumer cars.

I like my little Aurora slot cars from the 1960s.

I hated how my Eldon slot car headlights would ONLY light up when the car was moving. FAKE!

I watched a few Formula E races, but something is missing. To me they should have three times the horsepower and a lot more downforce to make them exciting. Also, when the battery was low the driver came in the pits and changed the car. Why didn't they make an easily removable battery? You need two cars to finish one race, come on.

I suppose that means, for now, you should buy your EVs in pairs.

If you plan to race them.

Tesla's battery swap can be done in 90 seconds.

Still alot longer than your average few seconds pit stop though ;)

A battery swap would be something that every EV in a race would need and at just about the same time.

Intermission-battery swap for everyone

OR you could have a race to a certain distance, where you had to go that far and then faster than the rest of the competitors.