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 points but additionally symbolize two fully completely different classes in how they conceive automobile growth, each as a result of nature of the automobiles themselves and a few financial constraints.
In Method 1, for instance, whereas remaining throughout the regulatory quantity limits, groups have vital design freedom on the aerodynamic and chassis fronts, permitting them to discover completely different ideas from group to group. Conversely, in Method E, it was determined to depend on a single producer for aerodynamics and chassis, leaving extra room for powertrain growth.
It’s exactly within the powertrain area {that a} central distinction emerges within the method to growth. Earlier than the freeze on present models, Method 1 allowed steady growth of each {hardware} and software program, for each the inner combustion and electrical parts, making vital efficiency leaps potential even throughout the season.
Why FE focuses on software program
Conversely, in FE, growth is split into two approaches: {hardware} growth is proscribed to a two-year cycle, whereas software program growth is totally unrestricted. On the {hardware} facet, as soon as the unit has been homologated, parts can’t be modified for the subsequent two seasons, no less than till the automobile’s evolution is launched. This additionally permits producers to homologate a brand new powertrain that may bear one other two-year cycle.
Nevertheless, whereas {hardware} growth follows a cyclical sample to assist comprise prices in a financially sustainable collection—the place the annual price range per group 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 immediately linked to the automotive business.
In Method 1, till the freeze in 2022, groups have been allowed 5 updates per season for the facility 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 about, groups can modify 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} growth, there may be vital freedom in software program, which producers sometimes replace each two to 3 races after a validation section within the simulator. This can be a essential facet for a number of causes: first, as seen previously two years, it permits vital progress within the standings, and second, as a result of nature of the automobiles themselves.
Software program growth 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; relatively, it’s recovered throughout braking. The extra environment friendly a automobile is at managing power restoration and cost, the higher the benefit it positive factors.
Growth additionally revolves round how the system recovers power throughout braking or carry 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 affect on automobile habits. In FE, software program growth is twofold: whereas the bottom software program is designed by the powertrain producer, buyer groups may modify it.
Usually, past the mounted framework set by the producer for system operation, buyer groups have entry to switch 10 to fifteen% of the code for personalisation. This may occasionally look like a small margin, but it surely impacts vital points comparable to power restoration parameters, which is why buyer groups can typically problem the producer’s efficiency.
Software program will probably be a key think about F1 once more from 2026
In F1, software program growth is presently restricted by laws, however from 2026 it is going to 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 will probably be allowed to replace software program a number of occasions throughout the season.
From 2026, every producer will probably be permitted to make use of 5 completely 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 models, which can eradicate the MGU-H, groups might undertake vastly completely different power deployment methods all through a lap, with various acceleration curves relying on whether or not they prioritize higher acceleration or a special power distribution.
With the 2026 laws making {the electrical} part the focus—the place energy output is cut up 50/50 between the inner combustion engine and the electrical system—power administration will change into a vital issue, and extra environment friendly software program may make a decisive distinction. This is not going to solely contain software program growth for bettering CFD fashions or automobile habits within the simulator however, maybe most significantly, for optimizing the administration of future energy models.
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