“ The car ’ s floor is a hugely important aerodynamic element ”
CUTTING EDGE
BODYWORK
DOWNFORCE
The car ’ s wings and bodywork are designed to create large amounts of downforce , delivering more grip and increasing cornering speeds , while also limiting drag , which slows the car down . The target for teams is to maximise efficiency , which means optimising the balance between downforce and drag .
The front and rear wings have several distinct elements , each shaped like an upside down aeroplane wing . As the air flows over them , it creates negative pressure underneath and the air above pushes the wing , and thus the car , down .
The car ’ s floor is a hugely important aerodynamic element . It produces downforce by using a tunnel at the rear called a diffuser to accelerate the air between it and the track , creating a negative pressure that sucks the car down .
All this creates extreme cornering speeds and the drivers ’ necks must resist sideways pressures of 40kg – equivalent to around half of their body weight .
“ The car ’ s floor is a hugely important aerodynamic element ”
DRAG
Sidepods , which contain cooling radiators , are sculpted to reduce their obstruction to the airflow . Other bodywork elements are designed to steer disruptive turbulent air from the tyres around the car .
To help overtaking , a driver can use the DRS ( Drag Reduction System ). If they are within a second of the car in front , they can push a button that lifts up the upper rear wing flap , creating a gap that reduces drag and provides a top-speed boost . DRS can also be used around the lap in qualifying .
DRS
DRAG REDUCTION SYSTEM
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