F1 cars used a system called KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) which could store regenerative energy in a flywheel or battery system (depending on team) and release it as extra power when the driver hit a button. Its advantages were a burst of speed to help overtaking which is a criticism of F1 at the moment - the cars are so closely matched that overtaking is rare.
The system wasn't universally liked and a lot of teams would run a car with and one without and often find the advantage on long straights was nullified by the extra weight on corners. Some teams didn't bother at all.
It was abandoned after the end of the 2009 season.
Other systems have also been used including hydraulics, air compression etc.
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[I]So long and thanks for all the fish.[/I]
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