Formula One engines and the transmission of a Formula One car, involve very complicated machinery. The present regulations set by the Federation Internationale d l’Automobile or the FIA require the engines to last for more than one race weekend.
With the passage of time Formula 1 engine power outputs have undergone enormous changes. In the 1950s the engine power outputs were around 100 bhp every liter, which is equivalent to the performance of a modern road car. The 'turbo age' of 1.5 liter turbo engines, produced 750 bhp every liter. But gradually that figure declined and the 2006 regulations required the usage of 2.4 liter V8 engines.
The modern 19,000 RPM Formula One engine consumes 650 liters of air every second, with race fuel consumption around 75 liters for every 100 kilometers. The massive speed of the Formula One cars requires accelerative force on the pistons equivalent to nearly 9000 times of earth's gravity. However, even today, engine failure is a common problem for Formula One drivers.
The highly automated gearboxes of modern Formula One cars facilitate easy selection of gears via paddles fitted behind the steering wheel. Now a days Formula One cars have seven-speed gear boxes. But fully automatic transmission systems along with gearbox-related wizardry are illegal, so that more emphasis can be laid on driver skills and the costs can be reduced.
To cut down further on the massive costs of these ultra high-tech engines, the FIA introduced new regulations in 2005, which require the Formula One engines to last for at least two Grand Prix weekends. A ten-place grid penalty is imposed upon those breaking the law.
Some of the famous Formula One engines are Ferrari 2.5 L4 (Type 106), Ford HB 3.5 V8, Ford Cos DFV 3.0 V8, Renault 1.5 V6T, Renault 3.0 V10, Alfa Romeo1.5 V8T.
