Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Computing Innovation and Applied Physics

DOI: 10.54254/2753-8818/14/20240875

Study on aerodynamic development in Formula One racing

Zhihao Zhang
School of Engineering, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854,
USA

zz405@scarletmail.rutgers.edu

Abstract. Formula One (F1) represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Aerodynamics
is a critical factor that determines the performance of these high-speed racing machines. This
paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution and advancements in
aerodynamic design and technology in Formula One over the years. Starting from the
rudimentary designs of the 1950s, this paper traces the progression to the highly sophisticated
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel tests that dominate the sport
today. Innovations like ground effects, diffusers, DRS (Drag Reduction System), and vortex
generators are examined to elucidate how they contribute to increasing downforce, reducing drag,
and thereby enhancing performance. This paper touches upon the future prospects of
aerodynamic research in Formula One, including sustainability considerations and potential
areas for innovation. Through a synthesis of historical trends, technical breakthroughs, and
empirical data, this paper may provide a holistic understanding of aerodynamics in the context
of Formula One racing.

Keywords: Formula One, Aerodynamics, Ground Effects, Vortex Generators.

1. Introduction
The aerodynamic development in Formula One Racing has been pivotal in shaping the performance and
safety of the cars. As teams pursue greater speeds and better handling, they delve deep into
understanding airflow around the cars.
In the beginning, about 1950s and early 1960s, Formula one was dominated by European teams and
drivers, and aerodynamics was largely an afterthought. Most cars did not have aerodynamic design in
mind. However, as the speed increased, teams began to realize the importance of aerodynamics.
Streamline bodywork and simple front wings were designed to reduce drag. The late 1960s to 1970s,
the introduction of wings and spoilers to gain downforce improved the grip and cornering speed.
Moreover, those aerodynamic design were simple designs. However, the increase in downforce also led
to a series of accidents, promoting a rethink of aerodynamic rules and regulation. In the late 1970s, the
ground effect was brought to the teams. The idea was to shape the underbody of the car to create a low-
pressure area, which make the car sucking to the ground, and increase downforce without adding other
drag. However, ground effects were banned due to safety concerns, as they made cars difficult to control
in certain conditions.
From 1990s to present, the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnels make a new era
in Formula One aerodynamics. These tools allow teams to experiment with thousands of different

© 2023 The Authors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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 Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Computing Innovation and Applied Physics
DOI: 10.54254/2753-8818/14/20240875

configurations to find the most aerodynamically efficient designs. The introduction of bargeboards,
intricate front wings, and rear diffusers becomes common, and the sport starts seeing a rapid revolution
in aerodynamic detailing. As F1 moves into the future, aerodynamics will continue to be a major area
of research and development. With new regulations aimed at improving competitiveness and
sustainability, teams will have to innovate within tighter constraints, making aerodynamics more crucial
than ever.
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the evolution and advancements in
aerodynamic design and technology in Formula One over the years. Through a synthesis of historical
trends, technical breakthroughs, and empirical data, this paper may provide a holistic understanding of
aerodynamics in the context of Formula One racing.

2. Introduction of Aerodynamics to F1
Since 1960s, this was a transformative decade for F1, marking a shift from elementary designs to a
greater focus on engineering and technology. One of the most significant developments was the
introduction of aerodynamics as a critical factor in car performance. One of the most important
innovations of this era was the introduction of wings and spoilers, which were added to the front and
rear of the cars.
Wings can produce downforce and increase the tires grip on the road better. The primary role of the
front wing is to generate downforce on the car’s front section. Typically, the wing contributes to about
25-30% of the overall downforce [1]. As the front wing and the rear wing have to be balanced, due to
the stability of the car, which avoids the car suffering corner entry oversteering.
Since Colin Chapman brought wings and downforce on F1 cars, they got three times of world
champions in 1960s [2]. When the addition of aerodynamic features led to increased performance, it
also brought some new challenges. These early wing designs were often hastily added and inadequately
tested, leading to multiple failures and accidents. As a result, in 1968 highly mounted rear wings were
banned by the Federation International de I’Automobile (FIA) because of their failures [3]. FIA
introduced regulations to ensure that aerodynamic elements were safely integrated into the car design.
As the impact of aerodynamics became more apparent, teams started to invest more resources in research
and development. This intensified the competition and led to a variety of innovative aerodynamic
solutions. For example, the idea of shaping the car body itself to produce aerodynamic benefits began
to take root. The late 1960s laid the groundwork for future aerodynamic innovations such as ground
effects and underbody aerodynamics, which would come to fruition in the 1970s and beyond. The sport
started to attract specialists in fluid dynamics, setting the stage for even more sophisticated approaches
in the coming decades.

3. Ground Effect Era

The ground effect is a kind of aerodynamic phenomenon where the airflow between the car’s underbody
and the track surface is accelerated, creating an area of low pressure beneath the car. The car is sucked
on the track, providing increased traction and allowing for higher cornering speed. This effect also can
be called as Venturi effect, which is a result of Bernoulli’s principle. Utilizing the Venturi effect, when
a fluid flows through a narrowed region, its speed accelerates while its static pressure drops. This effect
is rooted in Bernoulli’s theorem. A pressure difference exists with higher pressure on top and lower
pressure beneath the car. This difference results in significant downforce. The downforce produced by
the car’s underside is termed the “ground effect,” which acts like a vacuum, drawing the car closer to
the road [4].
The ground effect began in 1970s. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, cars utilizing ground effect
technology were predominant, especially with Team Lotus under Colin Chapman’s leadership paving
the way. The Lotus78 featured inverted wing designs within sidepods, leading to the creation of two
expansive Venturi tunnels. However, the real breakthrough was the incorporation of sliding skirts. These
skirts sealed the space between the track and the car’s side, enhancing the Venturi tunnels’ effectiveness
and substantially boosting downforce without a corresponding significant increase in drag [5]. However,

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 Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Computing Innovation and Applied Physics
DOI: 10.54254/2753-8818/14/20240875

ground effect cars had some inherent problems. The massive increase in downforce made the cars
extremely fast in corners, but they were sensitive to changes in ride height. Hitting a bump or a kerb
could disturb the air flowing under the car, leading to a sudden loss of downforce and grip. This made
them challenging to drive and led to some big accidents. Therefore, FIA grew concerned about the
ground effect cars’ potential dangers. They introduced new regulations for the 1983 season, which
effectively banned the extreme ground effect designs. The flat underbody was mandated, and the side
skirts, which helped seal the underbody airflow, were banned. This significantly reduced the potential
for ground effect [6].

4. Drag Reduction System and Return of Ground Effect

The Drag Reduction System (DRS) was introduced to Formula 1 in the 2011 season. The main purpose
of DRS was to aid overtaking. In the 2000s, the overtaking become very difficult due to the aerodynamic
turbulence (dirty air) produced by front cars. The dirty air reduced the downforce, making it difficult to
follow closely and overtake.
The DRS works by adjusting the angle of a moveable flap on the car’s rear wing. When activating,
it reduces the drag on the car, allowing it to achieve higher straight-line speeds. Consequently, the
aerodynamic resistance decreases by roughly 20%, enhancing the chances of passing other vehicles [7].
A multi-element rear wing tested in free-flow conditions saw an 83% decrease in aerodynamic drag.
Meanwhile, a ground-effect tested multi-element front wing experienced a 70% drop. Combined, these
two mechanisms led to a 53% overall reduction in the car’s aerodynamic resistance [8]. In 2022, the
ground effect returned, in order to make the racing more competitive, although it was used in the late
1970s and 1980s before being heavily regulated and effectively banned due to safety concerns. In the
new regulation, the cars have a simplified front wing and a much more sculpted floor design, channeling
air beneath the car to generate downforce.
The front wing of 2022 model is designed to be more aerodynamically stable than its intricate
predecessors, allowing a driver to maintain performance when closely following another car and
producing less turbulent airflow, as shown in Figure 1. Moreover, the 2022 rear wing has been notably
redesigned, featuring curved tips at the top instead of linear endplates and extra components at the
bottom, as shown in Figure 2. This updated design aims to redirect the aerodynamic wake upwards and
over the trailing car, rather than sending it straight into it, addressing the current challenges faced by
drivers when following closely behind another vehicle. For the ground effect, the floor is also redesigned
by the racing team. They employ contoured underfloor channels rather than a tiered floor [9]. This
change allows the car to produce large amount of downforce and less disruptive airflow for the car
behind at the same time.
The front wing’s proximity to the ground amplifies the downforce due to ground effects from the
wing’s shape. Katz, suggests that these ground effects typically boost the front wing’s downforce by
around 30% to 50% [10]. These changes, along with several others, aim to make the sport more
competitive, reduce costs, and improve the overall spectacle. The actual outcome, as with all regulations,
depends on how teams interpret and adapt to the rules, as well as how races are played out on track.

Figure 1. Front wing differences.

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 Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Computing Innovation and Applied Physics
DOI: 10.54254/2753-8818/14/20240875

Figure 2. Rear wing differences.

5. Conclusion
Formula One has always been at the cutting edge of technological advancement, while aerodynamics
plays a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s evolution. The continuous quest for speed and performance
has led teams to push the boundaries of aerodynamic efficiency, leading to some of the most intricate
and sophisticated car designs in F1 history. The introduction of technologies like DRS and the return of
ground effect principles showcases the sport’s adaptability and its willingness to evolve for better
competition and closer racing. For future, the direction seems clear: while speed and innovation remain
paramount, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring close racing and leveling the playing field. This
balance between performance and spectacle is crucial to retain and attract fans, making the sport more
exciting and unpredictable. With the increasing influence of sustainable technologies and the push for
eco-friendly racing solutions, future aerodynamic developments might also consider factors like energy
efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Formula One, being a beacon of automotive innovation,
is set to lead the way in showcasing how high-performance racing can coexist with environmental
responsibility.

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