F1 KERS – Kinetic Energy Recovery System

The KERS – Kinetic Energy Recovery System is a continuation of the power boost system first introduced in the 2009 season and adds up tp 80BHP to the 2011 vehicle performance. The use of KERS is optional

KERS provides up to seven seconds of power boost per lap triggered from a button on the Driver’s steering wheel. The driver may use KERS at any point in the race and the KERS battery is topped up when the car passes the start/finishline.

KERS provides this boost at a cost however. Firstly and significantly, the battery and hardware adds up to 30kg to the weight of the car that in turn makes the car slower to accelerate, is harder on brakes and uses more fuel.

In Melbourne 2011 Red Bull are suspected of using a reduced KERS system specifically for the start. Having a smaller battery setup, the system is said to have delivered a one-time boost from the start line. Red Bull did not use KERS throughout the race or qualifying, both of which were comfortably won by Sebastian Vettel.

Read about F1 DRS – Drag Reduction System

Video regarding how DRS and how it works with KERS