This is what the K1 and K2 buttons do on an F1 car – Jalopnik

A modern F1 car car car is incredibly complicated and expensive, with enough buttons, switches, dials and flaps to confuse even the most established BOP! Champions. F1 drivers therefore need a detailed concept of which button does what, and when they should use it, to give themselves the best possible chance of success during a race. Some are fairly clear-the pit button confirms a team that understands the driver that she puts those rounds, and the drink button puts the pump in that work so that drivers can take a sip but others, such as the K1 and K2 buttons, are not so self-reduced.

However, that does not mean that they are less important; K1 and K2 are actually among the most powerful tools of a driver. Both are used to implement extra electrical energy from the hybrid system of the car, but they work in different ways. The K1 button offers a short but powerful eruption of speed and can best be used in the closing or defending against a rival on-track. For that reason it is also known as the catching up.

However, the K2 button is not used to offer an advantage in combination with close fighting, but rather when defining moments during a race. Communal use includes the Race Start, the round before or after a pit stop, and restarts again after a security car. These are the moments when the time is the most critical, and the car needs its complete performance to build an opening or to maintain the job position.

The K1 button is not the only catch -up tool that a driver has at their disposal during a race, because the steering wheel is also equipped with a DRS or Drag Reduction System button. This does exactly what it says, reducing the resistance by opening the rear wing. This allows an F1 car to reach a higher top speed, which helps a raid. In contrast to the K1 button, which can be used at any time of the race-a directly for a better top speed, or during a corner for a better gear, the DRS button is only used on certain parts of the track when within a second of the car in the front.

In view of the fact that both the K1 and the K2 buttons give drivers extra power, you would be forgiven to assume that drivers are spending the entire race on stamping these buttons for constant doses extra growl. However, the hybrid system needs time to charge, so they are used sparingly. Extra strength also states due to the powertrain of an F1 car extra stress on different components, including the engine, which shortens their lifespan. This is why the buttons are only used at critical moments of the race, because the team must retain the benefit of obtaining or an on-track position against placing extra wear on the enormously complex, precious engine.