Formula One glossary

Net horsepower

The brake power (power available at the crankshaft) of a fully equipped engine fitted with all the accessories necessary to perform its intended functions unaided. In 1973, automobile manufacturers began publishing their engine specifications in "net" horsepower and "net" torque instead of "gross" figures.

Nomex

Nomex is the registered brand name of a flame retardant meta-aramid material. It was first discovered DuPont in the 1970s. It is sold in both fiber and sheet forms and is used as a fabric wherever resistance from heat and flame is required. In Formula One, shoes, gloves and overalls for the drivers and pitcrew are partly made of nomex.

Normally aspirated engine

An engine that uses intake air at atmospheric pressure and temperature to mix with the fuel for combustion. Generally this means that the intake is not assisted by a supercharger or turbocharger. All F1 engines are currently normally aspirated as super- and turbochargers are forbidden by the FIA.