Ferrari F1 Areodynamics

Aerodynamics has become the most important part of racing during the latest years. It has nearly become the only way for engineers to gain considerable time on their opponents, considering the very strict regulations in today’s motorsports. F1 is thereby the one to keep an eye on, as it is the sport where the most money is spent on technical developments.

Though the engine power, the tyres and much more, the aerodynamic streamline is very important to make the cars that fast. Many problems should be faced before starting with the design of a car. Ensuring enough air gets to the car's radiators is critical, because it's important for the engine's power.

F1 (and in general, all winged racing cars) can be considered to be canard configurations in the sense that the front and back wings are on opposite sides of the centre of gravity and both are "lifting" (strongly) in the same direction, in this case down.

The car should be considered in (at least) 3 parts; front wing, body and rear wing. Each of these parts should be optimised for downforce (i.e. "lifting" down) and low drag, with the accent very definitely on downforce. This downforce can be likened to a "virtual" increase in weight, pressing the car down onto the road and increasing the available frictional force between the car and the road, therefore enabling higher cornering speeds.