Editing Formula One car (section)

== Aerodynamics ==
[[Aerodynamics]] has become key to success in the sport, and the teams spend time and money on research and development of the same each year.<ref name="Evol"/> The sculpted front and rear wings with the rest of the body parts such as the vanes beneath the nose, [[Bargeboard (aerodynamics)|bargeboards]], sidepods, underbody, and the rear [[Diffuser (automotive)|diffuser]], play a role in determining the aerodynamic efficiency of the car. A modern Formula One car capable of developing up to six [[g force|G]] of lateral cornering force and a [[downforce]] equivalent to twice its weight at {{cvt|190|kph}}.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/understanding_the_sport/5281.html|title= Understanding F1 Racing – Aerodynamics|access-date=17 July 2007|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140326180548/http://www.formula1.com/inside_f1/understanding_the_sport/5281.html|work=Formula 1|archive-date=26 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/9/10005.html|title=Japanese Grand Prix – team and driver preview quotes|access-date=12 October 2012|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100228061655/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2009/9/10005.html|archive-date=28 February 2010|work=Formula 1}}</ref> The car is designed to create the maximum amount of downforce for the minimal amount of drag with the configuration often modified to the  requirements of a particular track.<ref name="Front"/> The interaction of various components amplify the total downforce more than the sum of their standalone contributions.<ref name="Rear"/>

[[File:Redbull F1 (6610261021).jpg|thumb|upright=0.75|Front of a F1 car showing the front wing arrangement.]]

The wings operate similarly to inverted airplane wings, to produce a negative [[Lift (force)|lift]] or downward force. The profile of the front wing, along with the angle of attack against the incoming air, define the downforce generated. Other smaller elements such as flaps, and gaps between the elements help with controlling the airflow. A steeper angle of attack increases the downforce while creating increased drag. The front wing also directs the airflow to the rest of the car with the air flowing into the sidepod intakes used for the temperature regulation of the engine. The air flowing underneath the floor helps to seal the gap with the ground, contributing to the [[ground effect (aerodynamics)|ground effect]]. A low-pressure area is created which effectively sucks the car towards the ground, increasing the down force and grip of the car. The designers aspire for a smoother airflow over the body of the car, while minimizing the [[Wake (physics)|wakes]] formed by the rotating wheels.[[vortex|Vortices]] created between the front wing and the nose box help to reduce the turbulence. Minor changes to the front wing can have drastic effects on the aerodynamics of the car.<ref name="Front"/>

[[File:Catalunya test 2011 - 43.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.75|Rear of a F1 car, showing the rear wing and [[Diffuser (automotive)|diffuser]] configuration.]]

The rear wings serve similarly to the front wings as inverted airfoils, and deflect the air downwards, causing a down force. The angle of the main plane and flaps determine the direction of the airflow, with other elements used to further fine tune the same. Higher angles increase downforce while also contributing to a higher turbulence and decreased stability of the rear wing. The rear wings are designed so as to withstand high loads without decreasing the downforce. The other structural elements of the car such as the side pods, and body work determine the amount of air flowing through the rear wings. The rear wing generates vortexes which keep the airflow attached to the car longer, delaying the aerodynamic stall. The rear wing can be modified to various configurations depending on the race track and the circumstances.<ref name="Rear"/> The DRS opens a slot in the rear wing at the behest of the driver. It reduces drag and increases power, and hence speed, and is allowed to be operated in specific instances.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 March 2011 |title=2011 F1 Technical Regulations, Section 3.18 |url=http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/055CFD424959A061C1257870003A02F0/$FILE/1-2011%20TECHNICAL%20REGULATIONS%2008-03-2011.pdf |access-date=8 May 2024 |work=[[FIA]] |archive-date=13 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313184045/http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/055CFD424959A061C1257870003A02F0/$FILE/1-2011%20TECHNICAL%20REGULATIONS%2008-03-2011.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Diffuser (automotive)|diffuser]] located at the rear is used to combine the pressurized airflow from the underside of the car to create more downforce.<ref name="Front"/>