It might seem counterintuitive, but over the past two decades, Formula 1 cars have actually grown larger and heavier. This evolution was recently highlighted when Red Bull Racing brought out its first-ever F1 car—the RB1 from the 2005 season—for a head-to-head comparison with the current RB20 at a rain-soaked Silverstone circuit. David Coulthard, who piloted the RB1 during Red Bull’s debut season, got back behind the wheel, while reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen, who was just eight years old when the RB1 first hit the track, drove the RB20.
Since Red Bull entered F1 in 2005 by acquiring the struggling Jaguar team from Ford, the sport has undergone numerous rule changes, and the differences between the RB1 and RB20 are striking. The 2024 car is more than 3.2 feet longer, about a foot wider, and roughly 440 pounds heavier than its 2005 predecessor.
Much of this added weight comes from the hybrid power units introduced in 2014, which replaced the simpler, naturally aspirated 3.0-liter V-10 engines of 2005. These V-10s, renowned for their thunderous sound, were succeeded by 2.4-liter V-8s in 2006, with the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) later adding a touch of electrification before the full hybrid powertrains took over.
A significant rule change in 2017 mandated longer, wider cars with much broader tires to boost downforce, resulting in faster lap times. Although the latest overhaul in 2022 simplified aerodynamics by emphasizing ground-effect downforce generated by the car’s floor rather than top-side aero elements, it didn’t reduce the size of the cars.
The next major shift is slated for 2026, focusing on power units. While the turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 internal combustion engine will remain, the new power units will be simplified by eliminating the MGU-H, the motor-generator that recovers energy from exhaust gases via the turbocharger. The MGU-K, which recovers energy through regenerative braking, will stay and provide even more electric power, pushing system output to over 1,000 hp—all while improving fuel efficiency compared to today’s cars.