Behind a single-seater on observe lies an especially advanced world of know-how, technicians, and engineers. Method 1 and Method E share a number of facets but additionally symbolize two fully totally different classes in how they conceive automobile improvement, each as a result of nature of the automobiles themselves and a few financial constraints.
In Method 1, for instance, whereas remaining inside the regulatory quantity limits, groups have vital design freedom on the aerodynamic and chassis fronts, permitting them to discover totally different ideas from crew to crew. Conversely, in Method E, it was determined to depend on a single producer for aerodynamics and chassis, leaving extra room for powertrain improvement.
It’s exactly within the powertrain area {that a} central distinction emerges within the strategy to improvement. Earlier than the freeze on present items, Method 1 allowed steady improvement of each {hardware} and software program, for each the interior combustion and electrical elements, making vital efficiency leaps potential even throughout the season.
Why FE focuses on software program
Conversely, in FE, improvement is split into two approaches: {hardware} improvement is restricted to a two-year cycle, whereas software program improvement is totally unrestricted. On the {hardware} facet, as soon as the unit has been homologated, elements can’t be modified for the following two seasons, a minimum of till the automobile’s evolution is launched. This additionally permits producers to homologate a brand new powertrain that can bear one other two-year cycle.
Nevertheless, whereas {hardware} improvement follows a cyclical sample to assist include prices in a financially sustainable sequence—the place the annual funds per crew is capped at round €15 million in comparison with Method 1’s present €140 million—the true battleground in Method E is software program, which is arguably extra straight linked to the automotive trade.
In Method 1, till the freeze in 2022, groups have been allowed 5 updates per season for the ability unit software program linked to the ECU, in addition to for the ERS and management unit purposes. Since 2023, just one software program model per season has been permitted. As soon as the database is ready, groups can alter its utilization primarily based on observe layouts and particular wants. Nevertheless, the core software program stays unchanged, with uncommon alternatives for updates.
In distinction, in Method E, given the FIA-imposed limitations on {hardware} improvement, there’s vital freedom in software program, which producers usually replace each two to 3 races after a validation part within the simulator. It is a essential facet for a number of causes: first, as seen up to now two years, it permits vital progress within the standings, and second, as a result of nature of the automobiles themselves.
Software program improvement improves effectivity
In Method E, effectivity is essential. Every automobile has a set quantity of power to finish the ePrix, however a part of that power doesn’t come from the battery; somewhat, it’s recovered throughout braking. The extra environment friendly a automobile is at managing power restoration and cost, the better the benefit it positive factors.
Improvement additionally revolves round how the system recovers power throughout braking or elevate and coast, requiring shut collaboration with the motive force’s preferences. Moreover, software program influences how power is deployed and impacts the automobile’s stability.
It’s no coincidence that after being developed in specialised departments, software program is validated by drivers within the simulator to evaluate not solely its effectiveness but additionally its influence on automobile conduct. In FE, software program improvement is twofold: whereas the bottom software program is designed by the powertrain producer, buyer groups may also modify it.
Usually, past the fastened framework set by the producer for system operation, buyer groups have entry to change 10 to fifteen% of the code for personalisation. This will look like a small margin, nevertheless it impacts important facets equivalent to power restoration parameters, which is why buyer groups can typically problem the producer’s efficiency.
Software program might be a key think about F1 once more from 2026
In F1, software program improvement is at the moment restricted by laws, however from 2026 it can change into a key facet as soon as once more. This isn’t solely as a result of power administration will change into considerably extra advanced, as beforehand analyzed, but additionally as a result of groups might be allowed to replace software program a number of occasions throughout the season.
From 2026, every producer might be permitted to make use of 5 totally different software program variations per season, lowering to 4 in 2027 and three from 2028 onward. Because of the very nature of the longer term energy items, which can get rid of the MGU-H, groups could undertake vastly totally different power deployment methods all through a lap, with various acceleration curves relying on whether or not they prioritize higher acceleration or a unique power distribution.
With the 2026 laws making {the electrical} part the point of interest—the place energy output is cut up 50/50 between the interior combustion engine and the electrical system—power administration will change into a important issue, and extra environment friendly software program might make a decisive distinction. This is not going to solely contain software program improvement for bettering CFD fashions or automobile conduct within the simulator however, maybe most significantly, for optimizing the administration of future energy items.
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