The Evolution of Formula 1 Engines

Formula 1’s engine story is a journey of speed, innovation, and constant change.

In the 1950s, cars ran with simple 1.5 to 4.5-liter naturally aspirated or supercharged

engines, producing around 400 horsepower. By the 1960s, the iconic 3.0-liter

V8s and V12s arrived, bringing raw sound and power. The 1970s pushed limits with 1.5-liter

turbocharged monsters that dominated the ’80s, some producing over 1,000 horsepower

in qualifying – the infamous “Turbo Era.” Safety concerns and costs led to their ban in 1989,

replaced by naturally aspirated V10s and V12s, which many fans still call the golden

age of sound. In the 2000s, the V10s gave way to 2.4-liter V8s, still screaming