For Formula 1, innovation has always been a battleground, constantly extending the bounds of speed and technology. Although most F1 cars still have sophisticated combustion engines carefully adjusted down to the last bolt, there was another era in which radical experiments by engineers led to such things as jet engines and fan-powered novelties. These new-fangled ideas made mischief with the FIA’s rulebook and redefined the borders of racing performance.
The Brabham BT46B: The Fan Car
One of the most famous examples of unconventional propulsion in F1 history is certainly the Brabham BT46B, or “Fan Car.” This car was conceived by Gordon Murray and introduced onto the track in 1978. The car strategically placed a large, rearward-slanted fan meant to suck out air from under it, generating enormous downforce while attacking high-speed turns with an onslaught of suction. Though it wasn’t technically an actual jet engine, in terms of altering airflow to gain maximum speed and traction, it acted much like one.
The BT46B made its debut at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix and was a runaway winner. Yet, at the end of the race, it was quickly banned due to protests from rival teams, making it one of the most controversial innovations in F1 history.
The Lotus 56B: A True Jet-Powered F1 Car
In the late 1960s, taking their cue from aviation rather than automobile design, the Lotus team, led by Colin Chapman, unveiled the Lotus 56B. This car was powered by a Pratt & Whitney gas turbine engine, an experiment previously tried in IndyCar racing.
Competing in the 1971 Formula 1 season, the Lotus 56B had all-wheel drive and featured a Spicer transaxle, allowing for rearward engine placement. Its single-speed transmission worked by adjusting the turbine shaft’s speed with throttle input. While turbine engines were often considered futuristic, the biggest shortcoming Lotus engineers faced was weight distribution. Unlike aircraft, which burn fuel evenly from both sides, the uneven fuel consumption in an F1 car affected handling, making the design impractical for competitive racing.
The Wild Days of Jet-Engined Motorsport
While jet-powered cars never really took off in Formula 1, the need for extreme aerodynamic and propulsion experiments never went away. Yes, Can-Am and Land Speed Record jet cars have faded from the spotlight, but other areas of motorsport continue to experiment with radical technology.
Today’s F1 and The Quest for Ultimate Speed & Endurance
Today, F1 power units are hybrid-powered, but this is by no means a step backward. Breakthroughs like active aerodynamics, ground effect technology, and electrification highlight F1’s continued push for innovation.
Why Jet Engines Never Came to F1
Jet and turbine power did not become part of the Formula 1 establishment for several reasons, despite their fascinating potential:
- Regulatory Obstacles: The FIA imposed rules that hindered the use of non-traditional propulsion systems.
- Fuel Consumption: Jet engines consume significantly more fuel than conventional F1 power units.
- Throttle Lag & Driveability: The slow throttle response made it difficult for drivers to control power output effectively.
- Weight & Complexity: Jet and turbine engines added weight, reducing overall efficiency in a sport where every kilogram matters.
In Short
While jet power never took off in F1, fans will always remember the Fan Car and the Lotus 56B as symbols of motorsport innovation. Although these designs were ultimately banned, they pushed the FIA to refine its regulations, shaping the F1 we know today. Future F1 engines are expected to be both more efficient and sustainable, but history reminds us that radical experimentation has always been part of the sport. Who knows? The next groundbreaking innovation could be just around the corner.
