This is Downforce in F1 (Formula 1) – Easy explained

In order to remain on the ground whilst racing at high speeds, F1 cars needs to have some added weight forced onto the ground. However, added weight means more difficulty in handling the car and a decreased speed. That’s where the application of downforce comes in handy.

Downforce is a type of lift force, but upside down. Engineers have added special parts to the body of an F1 car that creates a downward force from the air passing around it. This downward force provides the car with a firm grip on the ground, which is just as necessary as a high speed.

The secret of how much of the downforce an F1 car can create is unknown. It is usually kept as a secret between teams, as downforce can help achieve great speeds, especially when cornering. This helps the car in overtaking when on a long straight. For example, an F1 car at a speed of 240 kph can generate a downforce 2.5 times the acceleration due to gravity. It is said that theoretically, the speed and weight an F1 car achieves due to downforce, it can even drive upside down provided that it attains the speed required for it beforehand. 

What is the difference between drag and downforce?

When a car is moving at high speeds, it faces resistance from the air. This resistance slows the car, reducing the top speed. This force of resistance is known as drag. Downforce is the name given to the lift force but in an upside-down direction. 

Drag helps increase the speed of the car when taking corners or overtaking. Drag and downforce often come hand in hand. Drag isn’t always downforce, but downforce always means drag.

For many years F1 teams were confused between drag and downforce. They tried their best to design suitable parts that increased downforce and decreased the drag produced. However, in the Mexican Grand Prix, Ferrari seemed to have found the solution to this problem.

The front wing on the F1 Ferrari was more rigid and showed a greater amount of flexibility when it came to different elements that are on the wing section. During the race, Ferrari was able to reach a higher speed than Riccardo, even though the DRS for both cars was switched on.

It has been suspected that Ferrari may have found a way to devise downforce at low speed and reduce the drag at high speed. There is also the possibility that they may have found a loophole in the rules set for downforce by the FIA.

What will it take for an F1 car to be able to drive upside down?

Theoretically, an F1 car can drive upside down due to the downforce that the car is able to generate. However, this has not been possible due to a number of reasons.

The first and foremost among these reasons is the supply of fuel to the engine and ensuring that it remains lubricated. An upside-down F1 car could have all of its fuel accumulate on one side of the tank which could make the engine run dry. 

One of the main problems behind an F1 car not being able to drive upside down is the possibility of the driver getting disoriented whilst driving upended. He could have his blood rush from his brain making him incapable of driving.

Just like all problems have solutions, these too have possible solutions that could be implemented making the F1 finally drive upside down. A few alterations and adjustments to the oil supply system can make the fuel go directly to the parts that need the most lubrication. This will prevent the engine from running dry. 

To combat the problems that could be faced by the driver, the tunnel on which he would drive the car should not be too high. Plus, the top of the cockpit should be cushioned for any unforeseen crashes. With just a few practices, the driver should be able to drive upside down just like an air pilot somersaulting his plane in the air.

How is a modern F1 car different from an 80’s F1 car in terms of generating downforce?

F1 engineers came up with the idea of applying aerodynamics which includes the application of downforce back in the 1970s. However, it was banned in the 1980s because the FIA felt that the ever-increasing speed that the downforce provides while cornering is very dangerous. 

Downforce could disrupt the ground effect, which is the lift that the wings of the car produce when in close proximity to the ground. The ground effect generates downforce by sucking air beneath the underside of the F1 car.

In today’s modern F1, downforce is generated using other methods rather than the ground effect. Back then, the front wing’s function was to enhance the production of downforce. Nowadays, they are used to control the flow of air around the car so that the production of downforce could be maximized and the aerodynamics around the car remains optimum.

With the change in time, the tires of the F1 have gotten thicker. This in turn made the endplates of the front wing to be more curved at the end so that they could kick the air surrounding the tires.

New F1 wings are sharply pointed with sleek edges to control the turbulence around the car. The wings generate turbulence from the air which is directed by the cascades underneath the car. This creates a suction that pulls the car to the ground allowing it to have a firm grip, also known as the ground effect.