Concept power units from 2030

All that has to do with the power train, gearbox, clutch, fuels and lubricants, etc. Generally the mechanical side of Formula One.
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bananapeel23
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Joined: 14 Feb 2023, 22:43
Location: Sweden

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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mzso wrote:
12 May 2026, 00:42
bananapeel23 wrote:
11 May 2026, 08:29
Obviously shrinking the rim would also result in overall smaller tyres as well.
It's obviously not necessarily the case. It's F1, everything can happen.
https://i.postimg.cc/mgPtCc3n/f1-13in-high-profile.png
bananapeel23 wrote:
11 May 2026, 08:29
I quite like the wide tyres, but I don’t like how absurdly tall they got after 2022, even if the removal of the wheel brows helped a bit.
Helped? The "brows" of course had no relevance whatsoever on tire diameter.
I meant that I didn’t like the 2022-2025 18 inch tyres visually because they looked too bulky. Removing the wheel brows helped to reduce the overall sense of bulk.

Still. 18 inch tyres and rims are way too heavy and F1 should really have pushed Pirelli harder to get the 16 inch tyres for 2026 than they ended up doing.

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De Wet
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Joined: 03 Jan 2024, 13:32

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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mzso
mzso
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Joined: 05 Apr 2014, 14:52

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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bananapeel23 wrote:
12 May 2026, 08:08
mzso wrote:
12 May 2026, 00:42
bananapeel23 wrote:
11 May 2026, 08:29
Obviously shrinking the rim would also result in overall smaller tyres as well.
It's obviously not necessarily the case. It's F1, everything can happen.
https://i.postimg.cc/mgPtCc3n/f1-13in-high-profile.png
bananapeel23 wrote:
11 May 2026, 08:29
I quite like the wide tyres, but I don’t like how absurdly tall they got after 2022, even if the removal of the wheel brows helped a bit.
Helped? The "brows" of course had no relevance whatsoever on tire diameter.
I meant that I didn’t like the 2022-2025 18 inch tyres visually because they looked too bulky. Removing the wheel brows helped to reduce the overall sense of bulk.

Still. 18 inch tyres and rims are way too heavy and F1 should really have pushed Pirelli harder to get the 16 inch tyres for 2026 than they ended up doing.
I focused on the technical stuff. If F1 could use lower outer diameter tires for many decades I don't see a reason for such big tires 18" wheels or not. Also they made do with them being more narrow from 1998 to 2016.

What are the proportions anyway? Somehow I can imagine the rims made of magnesium alloy being as heavy as the thick bulk of the tires. Does the weight even go up if the tire diameter remains the same and only the rims increase and the sidewalls decrease?

mzso
mzso
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Re: Concept power units from 2030

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How surprising... The badge engineering manufacturer and the non-manufacturer, with no competence in F1 turbo hybrid engines support plain old V8s.

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FW17
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Joined: 06 Jan 2010, 10:56

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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Formula 1 Embraces Pushrod Power in 2030
https://www.pitpass.com/82582/Ford-and-GM-back-V8-move

Silverstone, May 2026 — In a twist that nobody saw coming, Formula 1 has announced that starting this season, all cars will run on NASCAR-style pushrod V8 engines. The move, dubbed the “Pushrod Revolution,” has stunned engineers, delighted fans, and left hybrid-era purists clutching their spreadsheets.

The Pushrod Era Begins
For decades, F1 prided itself on cutting-edge technology: hybrid turbos, ERS systems, and space-age materials. Now, the sport has gone old-school. Pushrod engines, famous for their simplicity and brute force, will replace the complex hybrid power units. FIA officials claim this will “bring racing back to its roots” and make the sport more accessible to new teams.

What Changes on Track
Raw Muscle: Pushrod V8s deliver thunderous horsepower with less finesse. Expect wheelspin, smoky exits, and drivers wrestling their cars like rodeo bulls.

Reliability vs. Chaos: Pushrods are durable but not invincible. Engine blowouts could return as a regular Sunday spectacle.

Fuel Strategy: With no hybrid recovery systems, pit stops will be more frequent, adding drama to race strategy.

Drivers React
Veteran Lewis Hamilton: “I never thought I’d see pushrods in F1. It’s insane… but kind of fun.”

The Soundtrack Returns
Fans have already nicknamed the new era “Heavy Metal F1.” Grandstands shake as the deep rumble of pushrods replaces the high-pitched whine of hybrids. Social media is flooded with clips captioned: ‘Finally, F1 sounds like racing again.’

Critics vs. Nostalgia
Environmental groups criticized the move as a step backward, while fans argue the visceral experience outweighs the concerns. Sponsors are cashing in with retro branding campaigns — “Feel the Pushrod” shirts sold out within hours.

The Pre-Race Prayer
In a tradition borrowed straight from NASCAR, the grid ceremony now includes a chaplain’s prayer broadcast worldwide:

“Lord, bless these drivers, teams, and fans. Keep them safe as they chase speed, and may the roar of these engines remind us of the joy of racing.”

The prayer was followed by a moment of silence, then the crowd erupted as the announcer delivered the immortal words:

“Drivers… START YOUR ENGINES!”
The pushrod V8s fired up in unison, shaking the grandstands and drowning out the commentary. Fans described the sound as “a stampede of thunder” and “the heartbeat of racing reborn.”

Tech Meets Tradition
Engines: 5.8L pushrod V8s, tuned for F1 chassis.
Performance: Brutal acceleration, less efficiency — pit stops are back in play.
Spectacle: Flames on downshifts, smoky burnouts, and the occasional engine grenade.

Bottom line: Formula 1 in 2030 has traded futuristic tech for old-school muscle. Whether it’s genius or madness, one thing is certain — the roar of pushrods has made F1 louder, wilder, and more unpredictable than ever.

Image

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bananapeel23
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Joined: 14 Feb 2023, 22:43
Location: Sweden

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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mzso wrote:
12 May 2026, 13:34
bananapeel23 wrote:
12 May 2026, 08:08
mzso wrote:
12 May 2026, 00:42

It's obviously not necessarily the case. It's F1, everything can happen.
https://i.postimg.cc/mgPtCc3n/f1-13in-high-profile.png


Helped? The "brows" of course had no relevance whatsoever on tire diameter.
I meant that I didn’t like the 2022-2025 18 inch tyres visually because they looked too bulky. Removing the wheel brows helped to reduce the overall sense of bulk.

Still. 18 inch tyres and rims are way too heavy and F1 should really have pushed Pirelli harder to get the 16 inch tyres for 2026 than they ended up doing.
I focused on the technical stuff. If F1 could use lower outer diameter tires for many decades I don't see a reason for such big tires 18" wheels or not. Also they made do with them being more narrow from 1998 to 2016.
I mean the outer diameter should shrink, but I don’t think the tyres should get any narrower or any lower profile. Shrink the wheel diameter to 15-16 inches and shrink the outer diameter nearly that much to get a higher profile tyre that is smaller and weighs less.

Low profile tyres suck for F1. They are part of the reason that the harder compounds suffer so little deg these days. They simply have so much thermal mass that they can just keep going no matter what. With less thermal mass you will have a much easier time making tyres that deg consistently. (Although they will be more prone to blistering and graining and will have to be run at higher pressure).

Additionally, lower tyre profile means lower sidewall flexibility, and a loss of grip as a result. That should be avoided. Grip is cool. Weight is not.

mzso
mzso
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Joined: 05 Apr 2014, 14:52

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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bananapeel23 wrote:
12 May 2026, 17:43
Low profile tyres suck for F1. They are part of the reason that the harder compounds suffer so little deg these days. They simply have so much thermal mass that they can just keep going no matter what. With less thermal mass you will have a much easier time making tyres that deg consistently. (Although they will be more prone to blistering and graining and will have to be run at higher pressure).

Additionally, lower tyre profile means lower sidewall flexibility, and a loss of grip as a result. That should be avoided. Grip is cool. Weight is not.
They suck, because they perform better? Results should be decided by racing not tire wearing BS.

Maybe slighlty less grip could be beneficial to racing.

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Stu
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Location: Norfolk, UK

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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Concept Power Units, people!! READ THE TITLE AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE!
Perspective - Understanding that sometimes the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.

DenBommer
DenBommer
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Re: Concept power units from 2030

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https://www.electrive.com/2026/05/20/el ... e_vignette

Is such a system perhaps something for Formula 1 in the future?

I’m referring to the front axial flux motor that is mainly used as a boost and is decoupled for better efficiency.

I suspect that the FIA will be keeping a close eye on the Gen 4 cars with AWD, with the 2031 regulations in mind.

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De Wet
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Joined: 03 Jan 2024, 13:32

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 13:24
https://www.electrive.com/2026/05/20/el ... e_vignette

Is such a system perhaps something for Formula 1 in the future?

I’m referring to the front axial flux motor that is mainly used as a boost and is decoupled for better efficiency.

I suspect that the FIA will be keeping a close eye on the Gen 4 cars with AWD, with the 2031 regulations in mind.

Hell No

DenBommer
DenBommer
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Joined: 09 May 2023, 14:20

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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De Wet wrote:
21 May 2026, 13:51
DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 13:24
https://www.electrive.com/2026/05/20/el ... e_vignette

Is such a system perhaps something for Formula 1 in the future?

I’m referring to the front axial flux motor that is mainly used as a boost and is decoupled for better efficiency.

I suspect that the FIA will be keeping a close eye on the Gen 4 cars with AWD, with the 2031 regulations in mind.

Hell No

Why?

mzso
mzso
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Joined: 05 Apr 2014, 14:52

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 14:20
De Wet wrote:
21 May 2026, 13:51
DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 13:24
https://www.electrive.com/2026/05/20/el ... e_vignette

Is such a system perhaps something for Formula 1 in the future?

I’m referring to the front axial flux motor that is mainly used as a boost and is decoupled for better efficiency.

I suspect that the FIA will be keeping a close eye on the Gen 4 cars with AWD, with the 2031 regulations in mind.

Hell No

Why?
Because it's not a V10, obviously.
So the main difference is that it can be decoupled? I don't think it's worth the added weight and complexity. I don't think there's any need to change the FE concept (but making it more extreme for F1). Stick as big of a motor there as as long the added weight is worth it. (I would set a max weight only) and use it for regen braking as much as possible and for drive as much as useful.

DenBommer
DenBommer
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Joined: 09 May 2023, 14:20

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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mzso wrote:
21 May 2026, 15:25
DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 14:20
De Wet wrote:
21 May 2026, 13:51



Hell No

Why?
Because it's not a V10, obviously.
So the main difference is that it can be decoupled? I don't think it's worth the added weight and complexity. I don't think there's any need to change the FE concept (but making it more extreme for F1). Stick as big of a motor there as as long the added weight is worth it. (I would set a max weight only) and use it for regen braking as much as possible and for drive as much as useful.
So you would also be in favour of AWD for Formula 1 in the future?

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De Wet
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Joined: 03 Jan 2024, 13:32

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 14:20
De Wet wrote:
21 May 2026, 13:51
DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 13:24
https://www.electrive.com/2026/05/20/el ... e_vignette

Is such a system perhaps something for Formula 1 in the future?

I’m referring to the front axial flux motor that is mainly used as a boost and is decoupled for better efficiency.

I suspect that the FIA will be keeping a close eye on the Gen 4 cars with AWD, with the 2031 regulations in mind.

Hell No

Why?

This will only add weight to these tanks and we need less electrification not more. The heat recovery from the rear breaks we had was light and effective. Let's use that again with a max 20kg battery for overtaking. V8 or V10 ICE with 1000hp. :D

mzso
mzso
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Joined: 05 Apr 2014, 14:52

Re: Concept power units from 2030

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DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 15:35
mzso wrote:
21 May 2026, 15:25
DenBommer wrote:
21 May 2026, 14:20



Why?
Because it's not a V10, obviously.
So the main difference is that it can be decoupled? I don't think it's worth the added weight and complexity. I don't think there's any need to change the FE concept (but making it more extreme for F1). Stick as big of a motor there as as long the added weight is worth it. (I would set a max weight only) and use it for regen braking as much as possible and for drive as much as useful.
So you would also be in favour of AWD for Formula 1 in the future?
Why not? If the generator/motor is already there. Otherwise it's just dead weight during acceleration. Also the front wheels would be more useful, now they just roll with the car.