One of the reason I like Formula 1 is because the car is an engineering marvel. Some have called it a missile in disguise and it is not far from the truth. An average F1 car is capable of going from zero to 160km/h (100 mph) and back to zero in less than five seconds. At speeds of around 160 km/h, F1 cars generate enough downforce to stick upside down on the roof of a tunnel if driven so.
Many F1 cars weigh only about 400kg plus with the minimum racing weight of 605 kg including the driver. The current 2.4L V8 engines are reported to generate around 700 kw plus of power at 18,000 rpm! Carbon fibre brakes glow red hot under braking and exhaust temperatures can reach 1000 degrees Celsius. An average F1 car can decelerate from 100-0 km/h (62-0 mph) in about 17 metres, creating braking forces of 4.5 to 5.5 g!
Many people think what’s the deal about driving a F1 car. Well the forces acting on the body of the drivers requires drivers to be the fitest of many sportsmen. All these is extremes is what makes Formula 1 special.
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