Components 1 groups are sometimes cagey about sharing something about their respective drivetrains. There’s massive benefits available below the hood in any case, however now that powertrain improvement is frozen till 2026, Mercedes is giving us a really detailed look into how its hybrid system works. And it is extraordinarily attention-grabbing.
Like all different groups’ methods, Mercedes’ drivetrain consists of a combustion engine, two electrical motors, a battery, and many energy electronics. One motor is built-in into the turbocharger and harvests power from the exhaust. It may possibly additionally present instantaneous enhance to the engine so long as the battery comprises sufficient power to take action. That is referred to as the MGU-H, and it is going away for 2026. Apparently, it’s extremely difficult to get proper, and F1 thinks growing this half particularly has prevented automakers from becoming a member of the grid as engine suppliers.
The opposite electrical motor is built-in with the gearbox. It may possibly present energy on to the rear wheels and harvest power below braking. This part is maintained as part of the brand new rules.
These methods work along with the facility electronics and battery, which is proven in Mercedes’ video in unbelievable element. The battery pack itself consists of round 200 particular person cells, doubtless of the 21700 selection (referred to as as such as a result of they’re 21mm in diameter and 70mm lengthy). They get packed into the identical field because the inverters and energy electronics, and every little thing will get cooled on a standard loop.
The video targeted on this cooling loop, significantly as a result of Mercedes’ title sponsor, Petronas, developed the coolant. It is dielectric, which means even when it did leak into the facility electronics, it would not trigger a brief. These sorts of insulating coolants are generally utilized in hybrid and electrical automobiles, however we are able to assume the type utilized in F1 are particularly efficient.
Total, that is an unprecedented look into the construction and dealing nature of an F1 hybrid system. In the event you’ve ever been interested in the way it all works right down to the cooling loops, it is a nice useful resource. Now provided that different groups would put a lot effort into exhibiting off their tech. It might be fascinating to see how different producers clear up the identical issues.
