UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — New formula

Q1. Formula One's new 2026 power unit formula, mandating a 50:50 internal-combustion-to-electric split and fully sustainable fuels, was introduced under the regulatory authority of which one of the following bodies?

  • A. Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
  • B. Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM)
  • C. Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO)
  • D. International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Q2. In the context of F1's 2026 hybrid formula, 'regenerative braking' refers to which one of the following?

  • A. Recovering kinetic energy otherwise lost during braking and using it to charge the car's battery
  • B. Using stored battery power to apply additional braking force to the wheels
  • C. Capturing exhaust heat from the combustion engine to regenerate the brake fluid
  • D. Regenerating worn brake discs through a friction-based heating cycle

Q3. Consider the following statements comparing F1's 2026 power unit formula with the hybrid system in use before it: 1. The 2026 formula mandates an equal 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power. 2. Unlike its predecessor, the 2026 formula requires fully sustainable fuels in place of crude-oil-derived fuel. 3. The 2026 formula retains the conventional fossil-fuel internal combustion engine as the predominant power source. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 2026 formula mandates an equal 50:50 split between internal combustion and electric power.
  2. Unlike its predecessor, the 2026 formula requires fully sustainable fuels in place of crude-oil-derived fuel.
  3. The 2026 formula retains the conventional fossil-fuel internal combustion engine as the predominant power source.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Which one of the following is the season-opening (first) race at which F1's new 2026 power unit formula made its competitive debut?

  • A. Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne
  • B. Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir
  • C. Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo
  • D. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina
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