Racing cars differ from passenger cars due to some characteristics, such as high speed, height from the ground, engine power, fuel consumption, wheel rims and auxiliary parts, such as front and rear spoilers. Some categories favor the structure of the passenger car, causing changes only to the suspension, engine, gearboxes, wheels and tires.
In the case of a Formula 1 car, the project is completely focused on technological innovation, as they are built with the aim of performing at high speeds. On a trip, a passenger car develops an average speed of around 80 to 100 km/h, whereas a Formula 1 car develops, depending on the circuit, an average speed between 165km/h and 240km/h.
The speed of a Formula 1, at the end of a long straight, can reach very close to 370 km/h. These cars can reach high speeds due to their aerodynamics designed for this purpose.
Among the various components responsible for the aerodynamics of a Formula 1, such as the diffuser, the external plates, the side deflectors and the floor, we highlight the front and rear spoilers as those responsible for “holding” the car on the track. They have the same function as an airplane wing, the only difference is that they work in reverse. The wing of an airplane has the function of providing sustainability and that of a Formula 1 car, of creating a vertical force called downforce, pushing the car towards the ground.
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The engineers, with the help of the pilot, look for the best inclination angle of the front and rear wings in order to obtain the best balance between downforce and air resistance. In this adjustment, mechanics use the units of angle measurement: degrees, minutes and seconds.
High speeds on the straight require less downforce, that is, because the car is in a straight line, the downward force can be lower, enabling the car to reach high speeds. But when making a turn, this force is used to keep the car on the correct trajectory, without it leaving the track. The airfoils also reduce the turbulence caused by the opposite wind that hits the moving car. Wing adjustment varies according to the track, type of riding, tire class, weather conditions, among other situations. Therefore, it is extremely important that engineers, mechanics and pilots find the ideal setting to achieve satisfactory results.
By Marcos Noé
Graduated in Mathematics