Formula 1 drivers must withstand temperatures that can reach up to 120°F in their cockpit. But that’s nothing compared to the rest of the F1 car. This is without a doubt the most extreme sport in the world
What about the temperatures reached when the F1 car is on the track? If you’ve ever wondered just how hot an F1 car gets, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the heat of a Grand Prix.
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How hot are an F1 car’s tires?
The tires on an F1 car are pretty unique. With a specific structure and mix of materials, they let the car grip the track even under huge physical forces. Nowadays, only one tire manufacturer supplies all the teams: the Italian Pirelli. There are several types of tires, from the softest, which gives top performance but wears out quickly in few attack laps, to the hardest, which lasts longer but doesn’t grip as much. To work properly and get that “chewing gum” texture on the track, these tires need to reach a specific temperature based on their type. For soft tires, that ideal heat is around 230°F. Beyond that, the tire risks overheating and losing grip. But if it’s not hot enough, it can slip too, as the rubber won’t be soft enough to cling to the asphalt. Drivers and engineers constantly have to keep an eye on these temperatures.
The temperature of an F1 engine
Compared to the engine and exhaust, the tires are like ice cubes. When running full power, a Formula 1 engine churns out over 1,000 hp, which means a ton of heat. During a race, an F1 engine can hit up to 1,500°F. But no worries, the engine stays cool thanks to special cooling systems and the sheer speed of the car itself. Without that airflow, it wouldn’t last long. Next time you watch a qualifying session, look for the mechanics who hook up blowers to the car’s air intakes! Even hotter than the engine, though, is the exhaust. The exhaust lets out gases so hot they can reach 1,650°F. Definitely not a place to put your hand.
How hot do the brakes get?
If you’re wondering what part of an F1 car gets the hottest, it’s definitely the brake system. The brakes let a car weighing hundreds of kilos go from 205 mph to 60 mph in just a few feet. The temperature goes up and down with each braking and each straight line. After a big braking zone-like the first turn at Bahrain, for example-the brakes can easily hit 2,150°F! Thankfully, air scoops channel airflow directly onto the brake discs to cool them down. Sometimes, they get so hot that they glow like molten lava.
This article explores the different temperatures found inside a Formula 1 car, from the cockpit to the brakes, along with key elements like the engine and tires and how these parts kept cool.
