Source:REUTERS/THOMAS COEX
[Saba Sports News] The starting system of F1 cars has evolved significantly over the years. Today, engineers use a long rod inserted deep into the rear of the car to start it. Contrary to some beliefs, this is not an ignition coil but a specialized tool. In the 1950s, the starting method was akin to that of a tractor, involving a crank rod inside the engine. This method was much faster than typical civilian cars of that era. Unlike regular cars, F1 cars lacked a starter motor for a long time due to weight concerns, as it would increase the car’s overall weight. If a car stalled on the track, it meant immediate withdrawal from the race. Technological advancements introduced specialized starting tools, visible today during broadcasts. These tools involve a long rod that interfaces with a gear deep within the chassis to initiate engine startup. Since the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014, F1 cars have incorporated more sophisticated starting mechanisms. The MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic) within the hybrid system serves as an electric motor to restart the car if it stalls.