The new F1 season is entirely dominated by major changes to the regulations. Smaller chassis and a more complex hybrid engine are intended to give the premier class a new impulse. As a result, drivers will face a new way of racing and fans a whole series of new terms. But what exactly do Superclipping, Boost, and Recharge mean? And what is active aero? Time to list the new Formula 1 jargon.
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Boost, Overtake and Recharge
The boost button activates a new mode that gives a Formula 1 car more electric power. Drivers can activate this mode at any time. Through the Energy Recovery System (ERS), the hybrid system builds up energy, which can be released at the touch of a button. At that moment, the engine, in combination with the battery, delivers maximum power, regardless of the position on the track. The maximum electric power is limited to 350 kW and gradually decreases at speeds above 290 km/h. The mode can be used both offensively and defensively.
When a driver is within one second of the car in front, extra power can be used to make an overtaking move. For this, he uses the overtake mode. This mode replaces DRS and adds an extra strategic dimension. On every circuit, there is one detection point, after which the driver can use the available power all at once or spread it over a full lap. The difference with the boost mode is that the car continues to use one hundred percent of the electric power even above 290 kilometers per hour. This therefore ensures higher top speeds.
With the recharge button, drivers can charge their battery with recovered energy. This energy can be generated during braking, but also by lifting off the throttle on straights or in slow corners where only part of the available power is required.
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What is superclipping?
Energy can also be recovered on the straights without lifting off the throttle. This phenomenon is called ‘superclipping’. As mentioned, the electric power gradually decreases at speeds above 290 km/h. At the moment when only the internal combustion engine takes over, the energy recovery system generates electricity for the battery again. Superclipping therefore usually takes place at the end of a straight or in fast corners.
Active aero in Formula 1
Much has also changed in terms of aerodynamics. The traditional DRS button is making way for active aero, with adjustable elements in the front and rear wings. This allows for strategic adjustments and maximizes performance on different parts of the track. Furthermore, teams are given more freedom to experiment with various solutions. During the test days, we already saw various aerodynamic packages, including Ferrari’s 180-degree rotating spoiler flap.
The front and rear wings operate in Straight Mode or in Corner Mode. Corner Mode is the neutral mode, where the flaps remain closed to generate more downforce. This provides extra grip, allowing the car to go through corners faster. On the straights, however, there are so-called Straight Mode zones, where drivers can open the wings via a button on the steering wheel. This reduces air resistance and thus ensures a higher top speed. Unlike DRS, Straight Mode can always be used when a driver is in such a zone, regardless of the session or the distance to the car in front. When braking for corners, the wings automatically close again.
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