Page 6 - EngineerIT April May Issue 2026

ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Power play: how Formula 1

innovation could shape the future

of electric vehicles

ormula 1 has long served as a Geopolitical tension continues to affect fuel supply and pricing, placing energy
proving ground for new thinking security firmly on the agenda and reinforcing the need for more resilient
Fin mobility, with developments on alternatives.
the track carrying through into real-
world engineering and influencing how The new regulations rebalance power between combustion and electrical
vehicles are designed and built. systems, with electrical output increasing alongside a stronger reliance on energy
recovery and deployment.
The 2026 overhaul of Formula 1 power
units arrives at a time of pressure This direction aligns with current electric vehicle development, where efficiency,
across global energy systems. energy management and control define performance. Battery size alone does
not determine capability. The way energy is captured, stored and used does.

Energy recovery is central to this approach. Formula 1 places greater emphasis
on capturing kinetic energy and redeploying it during key moments. In electric
vehicles, the same principle strengthens regenerative braking systems and
extends usable range without increasing battery capacity.

By Professor Vally Padayachee, CEng; CD(SA); MBA; MSc (Eng); Pr CPM; Pr Cert Eng; EDP (Wits).
Power and Energy Expert

6 | EngineerIT April/May 2026