Energy Harvesting in F1: What It Means & How It Works

Harvesting in Formula 1 refers to the process of capturing and storing electrical energy during phases of a lap where the driver is braking or decelerating. The MGU-K converts the kinetic energy of braking into electricity, while the MGU-H recovers heat energy from the turbocharger. This energy is stored in the battery and later deployed as a power boost. Harvesting and deploying energy are managed as a constant cycle across every lap, and getting this balance right can affect lap time significantly.

Example: He’s in harvesting mode through the final sector — storing up that electrical energy for the main straight.