what engines do f1 cars use 2024

[MaggieLee]

In 2024, Formula 1 cars are powered by highly sophisticated 1.6-liter V6 turbo-hybrid power units. These are not simple internal combustion engines; they are complex integrated systems that combine a gasoline engine with advanced energy recovery systems. The core objective is to convert fuel into propulsion with extreme efficiency, reaching a level of over 50% thermal efficiency, which is nearly double that of most road cars. The power is split between the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motors, delivering a total output that is estimated to be over 1,000 horsepower.

The current power unit formula, introduced in 2014 and refined over the years, consists of several key components:

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): The 1.6L V6 turbocharged engine itself.
• Turbocharger: Compresses air entering the engine for more power.
• MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit – Heat): This unit is connected to the turbocharger. It harvests energy from the heat of the exhaust gases to spin the turbo, reducing lag, and also generates electricity.
• MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic): Similar to systems in road-going hybrid cars, this unit recovers energy under braking and converts it into electrical power.
• Energy Store (ES): The battery pack that stores the electrical energy harvested by the MGU-H and MGU-K.
• Control Electronics (CE): The sophisticated computer systems that manage the entire power unit's operation.

For the 2024 season, there are four engine manufacturers, or powertrain suppliers, who supply these units to the ten teams on the grid. The specific performance, reliability, and operational characteristics can vary between manufacturers.

Engine Manufacturer (Powertrain Supplier)	Supplied Teams (2024)	Key Characteristics / Notes
Ferrari	Scuderia Ferrari, Haas F1 Team, Alfa Romeo Stake F1 Team (now Sauber)	Known for strong power delivery and has been a competitive benchmark in the current era.
Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains	Mercedes-AMG Petronas, McLaren, Aston Martin Aramco, Williams	Historically dominant, renowned for exceptional integration and thermal efficiency.
Honda RBPT (Red Bull Powertrains)	Oracle Red Bull Racing, Visa Cash App RB (formerly AlphaTauri)	Honda hardware is now maintained and developed by Red Bull's new powertrains division. A very strong and reliable package.
Renault	Alpine F1 Team	Officially branded as the Renault E-Tech engine. Has focused on a different development path.

Looking ahead, the power units are set for a major regulatory change in 2026. The new rules will remove the complex MGU-H, increase the electrical power from the MGU-K to nearly 50% of total output, and mandate the use of 100% sustainable fuels.

[JulianAnn]

They're 1.6-liter V6 hybrids, but calling them just "engines" is an understatement. It's a full power unit. The real magic is in the energy recovery – the MGU-K grabs power under braking, and the crazy-complex MGU-H uses exhaust heat. It's all about efficiency now; these things are closer to 50% efficient. It's not just raw power, it's how cleverly you use it. Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda (through Red Bull), and Renault are the four builders.

[FelicityAnn]

From a technical perspective, the 2024 F1 power unit is a marvel of engineering. The 1.6L V6 turbo is just one part. The key differentiator is the hybrid system, specifically the MGU-H (Motor Generator Unit-Heat). This component harvests energy from the turbocharger's exhaust flow, a feature not found in consumer hybrids. Combined with the kinetic energy recovery from the MGU-K, the system achieves unprecedented thermal efficiency. The focus has shifted from pure combustion power to holistic energy management, making it the most efficient racing engine in the world.

[OJoshua]

As a long-time fan, it's fascinating to see the evolution. We went from screaming V10s to these technological marvels. In 2024, it's still the 1.6L V6 turbo-hybrids. The biggest story isn't just the power—it's the development freeze and the upcoming 2026 changes. Teams are stuck with their current engine designs, so the competition is all about squeezing out the last bits of reliability and performance. It creates a tricky strategic game, especially for teams like Mercedes who are trying to catch up to the Red Bull/Honda package this season.

[SanIsla]

If you're new to F1, think of it like this: it's a super-advanced hybrid car engine, but pushed to the absolute limit. It's a 1.6-liter V6 with a turbo, plus a battery and electric motors that add extra power. The electric part gets its energy from braking and even from the hot exhaust gases. So, it's not just a gas engine. Four companies make these power units for the different teams: Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda (which powers Red Bull), and Renault. They're incredibly efficient, which is a big deal for the sport's environmental goals.