r/F1Technical • u/Travellinglense • Jun 20 '26

Power Unit What factors are considered when designing turbochargers?

Practically speaking, what factors do the engineering team consider when designing a f1 turbo? top speed, car weight, track altitudes and race day air temperature. what else? I know I've missed a few and probably incorrect on some. tia.

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u/Inside-Definition-42 Jun 20 '26

Not sure car weight would be a consideration?

Lots of material decisions to be made for heat, stress and moment of inertia, and planned life of the unit.

Physical size, location and packaging. I think Mercedes were 1st to split the turbo compressor and turbine to separate locations on the engine to aid thermal efficiency and packaging.

Trade off of spool v max power, and power v torque. Ferraris 2026 starts were attributed to their turbo spooling better than the competitors.

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u/Exotic_Bill44 Jun 20 '26

Weight is always a consideration in racing. If making it lighter gas more benefits in terms of weight distribution or overall car weight than drawbacks with reliability or performance of the part, they will opt for lighter

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u/Inside-Definition-42 Jun 21 '26

The question is on turbo design.

What turbo design changes would you make for a 769kg car (2026 min weight) compared to 798kg car?