FORMULA 1 AERODYNAMICS

Objectives of Aerodynamics in Cars

Influencing the way a car cuts through air Adding down force Reducing the drag

WINGS
The function of wings in F1 cars is opposite to that of an aero plane.

The F1 car has primarily two kinds of wings Front wing Rear wing

FRONT WINGS
The front wing of a Formula One car creates about 25% of the total cars down force.

Front wing of a formula one car consists of a main plane, a pair of aero flaps and a pair of end plates.. Inside edges of the front wing endplates curved.

REAR WING
About 30% of the car's total down force can come from the rear wing assembly. Made up of 2 sets of aerofoil connected to each other by wing endplates.

Endplates prevent the air from spilling over the sides of the wings.

DIFFUSER
Situated at the underside of the car behind the rear axle line. Consists of many tunnels and splitters to control airflow. Maximizes suction effect thus increasing down-force.
Diffuser of a Williams F1 car

BARGE BOARDS
Mounted between front wheels and side-pods. Main purpose- Smoothen and direct the airflow coming from the front wheels. They have contours to direct airflow in different directions.