KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System)

KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) was a hybrid energy recovery system used in Formula 1 from 2009 to 2013. The system recovered kinetic energy during braking — energy that would otherwise be lost as heat — and stored it in a battery or flywheel. The stored energy could then be deployed as an additional power boost of approximately 60 kW (80 HP) for up to 6.67 seconds per lap. KERS was the predecessor to the modern MGU-K (Motor Generator Unit - Kinetic) used in the current hybrid power units. The system was introduced in 2009 but not all teams used it — some found the weight penalty outweighed the performance benefit. KERS was replaced by the more sophisticated Energy Recovery System (ERS) when the hybrid regulations were introduced in 2014.

KERS was introduced to Formula 1 in 2009 as part of the FIA's push to make the sport more relevant to road car technology. McLaren and Ferrari were among the first teams to use it effectively. The system was banned in 2010 due to cost concerns, then reintroduced in 2011. It was replaced by the more powerful ERS system in 2014.