Glossary of Formula One technical terms

This glossary provides a rigorous, academically structured definition of technical terms used in Formula One. Terms are defined in engineering and regulatory contexts, with cross-references to relevant articles.

A

Aero rake

A sensor array used during testing to measure airflow around the car. Often mounted with pitot tubes or pressure probes.

Airbox

The intake above the driver’s head that feeds air to the engine, often integrated with the roll hoop.

Apex

The innermost point of a racing line through a corner.

Anti-dive geometry

Suspension design that resists compression under braking, reducing forward pitch.

B

Ballast

Dense material (often tungsten) placed strategically to optimise weight distribution.

Beam wing

A secondary horizontal aerofoil element located near the rear diffuser to condition airflow.

Blistering

A type of tyre degradation where internal heat causes bubbles in the rubber.

C

Camber

The vertical tilt of a wheel when viewed from the front. Negative camber improves lateral grip.

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)

Simulation method used to analyse airflow without wind tunnel testing.

Chassis

The structural base of the car, typically a carbon-fibre monocoque.

Coanda effect

Tendency of airflow to follow a surface contour. Used in exhaust flow manipulation.

D

Diffuser

The expanding underfloor section at the rear, which accelerates airflow to generate downforce.

DRS (Drag Reduction System)

A movable rear-wing element allowing reduced drag on straights. Regulated for activation zones only.

E

ECU (Electronic Control Unit)

Standardised control hardware managing engine, gearbox, and hybrid systems.

ERS (Energy Recovery System)

The hybrid system that recovers kinetic and thermal energy (MGU-K and MGU-H).

EBD (Exhaust-Blown Diffuser)

Technique exploiting exhaust gases to seal the diffuser, banned post-2011.

F

Flat spot

A section of tyre worn flat by a locked wheel under braking. Causes vibrations and reduced performance.

Floor edge vortex

A rotating airflow generated at the floor boundary, crucial for sealing ground-effect aerodynamics.

G

Ground effect

Aerodynamic principle using underbody airflow to create downforce through pressure differentials.

Gurney flap

A small vertical lip added to a wing’s trailing edge to increase downforce.

H

Halo

Titanium safety structure protecting the driver’s head from debris.

HANS device

Head And Neck Support device reducing whiplash in impacts.

I

Inboard suspension

Suspension components (springs/dampers) mounted inside the chassis, connected via push/pull rods.

K

KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System)

Original hybrid system (2009–2013) recovering braking energy via MGU-K.

L

Load cell

A sensor that measures force (e.g. on suspension arms or brake pedals).

Lift and coast

A fuel-saving and thermal management driving technique used during races.

M

Monocoque

Single-piece structural shell housing driver and fuel cell. Provides crash safety.

MGU-K

Motor Generator Unit – Kinetic. Recovers energy under braking and redeploys it for acceleration.

MGU-H

Motor Generator Unit – Heat. Recovers energy from exhaust gases (to be removed in 2026).

N

Nomex

A fire-resistant material used in driver suits and cockpit insulation.

O

Outwash

Aero strategy to deflect air away from tyres to reduce drag and tyre wake.

P

Parc Fermé

The period when car setup changes are restricted. Begins post-qualifying until race start.

Plank

A wooden (jabroc) strip under the car to monitor legality of ride height.

Power unit (PU)

Modern F1 engine, including ICE, MGU-K, MGU-H, turbo, and control systems.

Q

Quali mode

Engine mapping used to maximise power output during qualifying (now regulated).

R

Rake (vehicle attitude)

The longitudinal tilt of the car. High rake increases underfloor airflow acceleration.

Regen

Short for regenerative braking via MGU-K.

S

Sidepod

Bodywork housing radiators and cooling systems.

Slipstream

Reduced air pressure behind a car, reducing drag for the following car.

Stint

A continuous run between pit stops.

T

Telemetry

Wireless data transmission from car to pit wall in real-time.

Torque map

Engine control settings defining torque delivery.

T-tray

Front floor extension (officially 'bib') supporting plank and controlling airflow.

U

Undercut

Pit strategy where a driver pits early to gain advantage with fresher tyres.

Understeer

Condition where the front tyres lose grip before the rear, causing the car to turn less than desired.

V

Vortex generator

Small aero device used to control flow separation and energise airflow.

W

Wake turbulence

Chaotic air left behind a car. Modern rules aim to reduce its disruptive effect.

Wind tunnel

Physical testing apparatus to measure aerodynamic forces.

Y

Yaw angle

The rotation of the car around its vertical axis, relevant in corner entry stability.

Z

Zylon

Ultra-strong polymer used in side-impact structures and cockpit panels.

See also

• Aerodynamics
• Power unit
• Tyres
• Chassis
• Regulation evolution
• Strategy modelling

References

• FIA Technical Glossary