How Fast Do F1 Cars Typically Go?

F1 cars are fast, thanks to their continuous focus on achieving the lowest possible lap times. They do this by fine-tuning their race cars' engines, tires, and aerodynamics, while working within a fixed package of rules that must be followed to the letter. While both top speed and acceleration are important in F1 racing, these advancements have led to an increase in top speeds over time, with cars now capable of 210 to 220 mph during races.

The fastest top speed ever recorded during an F1 race goes to Juan Pablo Montoya, who hit a top speed of 231.5 mph in a McLaren-Mercedes during the 2005 Italian Grand Prix held at Monza. This was certified by Guinness. Next, we have the fastest speed recorded during an official F1 session at 234.9 mph, set by Valteri Bottas in a Williams. This record was certified by the Williams team during qualifying for the 2016 Baku Grand Prix in Azerbaijan. Qualifying speeds tend to be higher because the teams run in lower-drag configurations compared to their race setups. In addition, Baku features F1's longest straight at 1.36 miles long. Bottas also benefited from the slipstream of the car ahead.

Honda has gone even faster away from the track, though: the team took its RA106 F1 car to the Bonneville Salt Flats in 2006 and set an official speed record of 246.9 mph, technically making it one of the fastest F1 cars of all time. This Honda was set up specifically for the top speed record run and was configured for the lowest possible drag.

A lot of the credit for modern F1's high speeds has to go to the spectacular performance of their power units. Modern F1 power units are based on a 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine with two electric motors, plus an energy recovery system (ERS) that recoups energy from turbocharger heat and regenerative braking. The ERS can store this energy in an onboard battery and use it to provide an extra shot of power for overtaking. The engine and electric motors make for a maximum output of 1,000 hp, enabling its amazing speeds. F1 engines are going to look very different in 2026 thanks to new rule changes, but will retain the hybrid configuration.

Another major factor in an F1 car's speed is its aerodynamics, which can generate enough downforce — up to five times a car's weight — to allow it to drive upside down (on paper, at least). The F1 car's body shape, front and rear wings, and its floor panel all work together to generate this incredible amount of downforce on the track. An F1 car's tires reinforce this, providing grip to improve cornering forces even more. And let's not forget the carbon braking system that can haul down an F1 car going at top speed for tight, slow corners, time after time, without fading. It takes all of these integrated systems, working perfectly lap after lap, to get an F1 driver within reach of the podium.