Aerodynamics in Formula 1 | F1 Explained

Key Concepts

Downforce, Drag, DRS (Drag Reduction System), Ground Effect, Dirty Air, Aerodynamic Efficiency, Slipstream

Downforce

• Definition: A vertical aerodynamic force that pushes the car towards the ground, increasing grip and traction. It's the opposite of lift in an airplane.
• Magnitude: At 150 kmph (93 mph), downforce equals the minimum F1 car weight (795 kg). At max speed, it's over five times as powerful.
• Benefits: Allows for higher speeds in tight corners due to increased grip.
• Generation: Primarily impacted by the floor of the car, front and rear wings, but created by every part of the car interacting with air.
• Manipulation: Teams adjust the size and angle of wing elements to control downforce levels. Smaller, flatter wings for high-speed circuits; larger, angled wings for twisty circuits.

Drag

• Definition: Aerodynamic resistance that opposes the motion of the car.
• Impact: Detrimental to performance, top speed, and fuel consumption.
• Reduction: Achieved through aerodynamically designed elements like front wing endplates and cascades, which direct airflow around tires and underneath the car.
• Wing Shape: Airfoil wing shape creates higher pressure above the wing than below it, which pushes down on the wing. This is true of both front and rear wings helping to make the car great at cornering where the demand for grip is high. There is an element of increased drag as a result of this but this is seen as a necessary evil given that the speeds are slow off through the corners.

DRS (Drag Reduction System)

• Introduction: Introduced in 2011 to aid overtaking.
• Mechanism: A driver-controlled device that adjusts the rear wing position to reduce drag and increase straight-line speed.
• Functionality: By opening part of the wing, more air passes through, reducing drag.
• Usage:
  • Practice/Qualifying: Can be used at any time within designated zones.
  • Race: Only when within one second of the car in front at the DRS activation zone.
• Activation: Driver alerted by DRS dash lights and activates via a steering wheel button.
• Deactivation: Occurs when the driver brakes before the next turn.
• Strategic Importance: Counters the loss of cornering grip caused by turbulent air when following another car.

Ground Effect

• Definition: Manipulating airflow underneath the car to create a low-pressure area, sucking the car to the ground.
• Reintroduction: Returned to F1 in 2022 after being banned in the 1980s.
• Mechanism: Expanding airflow under the car from front to back, generating low pressure.
• Benefits: Increases grip, especially during corner entry and exit. Reduces turbulence behind the car, allowing closer following.

Dirty Air

• Definition: Turbulent air created by the leading car, disrupting airflow to the following car's wings.
• Impact: Reduces downforce, grip, and traction for the following car.
• Cause: The leading car distributes the air away, meaning the car behind doesn't have the same amount of air related forces to work with.

Aerodynamic Efficiency

• Definition: The balance between drag and downforce.
• Goal: To maximize downforce while minimizing drag.
• Track Dependence: Setup varies based on track layout (high-speed vs. twisty).
• Optimization: Teams adjust wing angles, diffuser, and undertray to achieve the best balance.
• Slippery Car Design: Creating wings that generate downforce while directing air away from tires and onto other aerodynamic surfaces.

Slipstream

• Definition: A positioning technique where a car follows closely behind another to reduce drag.
• Mechanism: The leading car "punches a hole" in the air, creating a pocket of reduced pressure for the following car.
• Benefits: Allows the following car to go faster and close the gap or attempt an overtake.
• Usage:
  • Overtaking: To gain extra momentum for a pass.
  • Qualifying (Tow): To lower lap times by reducing drag on straights.
• Defensive Tactics: The leading car can move across the track to break the tow, but with restrictions (one move, done early).

Conclusion

Aerodynamics is a critical factor in Formula 1, with teams constantly striving to optimize downforce, minimize drag, and manage airflow to gain a competitive edge. Concepts like DRS, ground effect, dirty air, and slipstream play significant roles in race strategy and car design, contributing to the overall performance and excitement of the sport. The balance between these elements, known as aerodynamic efficiency, is key to creating a winning car.