Electrification is part of the advance of sustainable mobility, which also includes the sports section, with more and more racing categories being powered by electric motors.
These serve as a rolling test laboratory, as multiple brands develop technologies to compete and then take them to street production models. Formula E is an example of this, where Mercedes and Nissan are two of several manufacturers to do so.
On the other hand, Audi will enter Formula 1 in 2026 when engines become more sustainable. There, they will be able to put to the test all the potential of engine development and other elements that can later be used in their branded models.
All this makes people and fans wonder how an electric motor works in sports racing. Below, we briefly explain that process.
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Electrification in Motorsports
Electric motors are a popular choice for racing vehicles due to their high efficiency and consistent performance. Unlike internal combustion engines, which rely on fuel combustion to produce power, they directly convert electricity into motion, which means they have no moving parts such as pistons or crankshafts, making them more reliable and durable.
In a racing electric motor, electricity is provided by a high-capacity battery. When the power unit is activated, the flow of electricity through the stator windings creates a magnetic field. This, in turn, causes the rotor to rotate, which produces motion.
These motors are also often equipped with energy recovery systems, such as regenerative braking systems, (in Formula 1 it is used) that convert the kinetic energy of the car into electricity and store it in the battery, increasing efficiency and allowing the battery to be recharged while in motion.
Finally, in terms of performance, they offer maximum torque right from the start, which means they have fast and powerful acceleration, ideal for racing. In addition, they do not lose power as speed increases as internal combustion engines do, making them an attractive option for sports racing, where speed and acceleration are key to it.
Written by | Ronald Ortega
