Do you know just how expensive a Formula 1 car can be? The answer will make anyone gasp. We’ve gathered some data that gives us a rough estimate of the overall cost of an F1 car.
First, the most expensive component: the power unit, which can cost anywhere from $7 million to $12 million. Then comes the monocoque chassis where the driver sits—priced at no less than $560,000. The front wing assembly costs about $280,000, while the rear aerodynamic assembly is close to $140,000. The fuel tank alone is around $125,000, and both the hydraulic and cooling systems are about $180,000 each. The gearbox is staggering at $5.6 million, with the driveshaft at $220,000 and the steering wheel at around $70,000.
Then there are the tires—another huge expense. While each tire costs only about $650, one race weekend requires up to 13 sets, bringing the per-race cost to over $50,000. Across a full season, tire expenses alone can total nearly $4.2 million. On top of that, the ultra-fast dual-clutch gearbox system starts at $30,000, and the carbon fiber chassis—crafted to be both lightweight and ultra-strong—can cost as much as $700,000 just for the floor.
Add it all up, and the cost of an F1 car easily surpasses $100 million.
But the spending doesn’t stop there. For the 2025 season, new regulations require cars to install cooling systems—if drivers don’t wear cooling vests, the car must carry an additional 500g of ballast. Starting from the Spanish Grand Prix, front and rear wings must also pass stricter flexibility tests. Behind these rules lie tens of millions of dollars in annual development costs.
So, the next time you watch an F1 race, remember: what’s flying past you isn’t just a racing car—it’s burning money at 300 km/h.
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