1988 · TECHNICAL
1988 Technical Regulations
1988 was the final season turbocharged engines were permitted. Two more restrictions were applied: boost was cut from 4.0 bar to 2.5 bar absolute, and the race fuel limit for turbo cars was cut from 195L to 150L. Both measures were aimed at squeezing any remaining turbo advantage before the mandated atmospheric formula arrived in 1989. The 2.5-bar+150L combination produced the famous McLaren MP4/4 (Honda turbo, Senna/Prost), which won 15 of 16 races. The atmospheric Jim Clark Trophy continued in parallel.
Final turbo year — 2.5 bar + 150L
The pop-off valve was re-calibrated to 2.5 bar absolute (from 4.0 bar in 1987). The race fuel allowance for turbos was simultaneously cut to 150 L (from 195 L). Both tightened the fuel-efficiency requirement further. Honda's RA168E in the MP4/4 was widely acknowledged as the best engineering response to the constraint — fuel efficiency was extraordinary by the standards of the era. Atmospheric entries continued to have no fuel cap.
Key changes
- Turbo boost: 4.0 bar → 2.5 bar.
- Turbo race fuel: 195L → 150L.
Last updated: 2026-04-24
This summary is editorial material prepared by F1pedia for general F1 audiences. It is not a legal reference. For binding rule text, consult the official FIA document.