Editing Aerodynamics in Formula One

'''Aerodynamics''' is the primary determinant of on-track performance in modern Formula One, shaping car behaviour in cornering, braking, straight-line speed, and tyre wear. The goal of aerodynamic design is to maximise downforce while minimising drag, maintaining airflow stability across varying yaw and pitch angles.

== 1. Overview ==
Aerodynamics governs how air interacts with the car’s bodywork. Effective aero development allows a car to generate increased grip through vertical loading (downforce) without compromising straight-line efficiency.

== 2. Key Components ==

* '''Front Wing''' – initiates airflow redirection, critical for tyre wake management and vortex generation.
* '''Rear Wing''' – primary downforce contributor; includes Drag Reduction System (DRS) mechanisms.
* '''Diffuser''' – expands underbody flow, accelerating velocity and creating low-pressure suction.
* '''Bargeboards / Floor Edges''' – manage airflow to optimise diffuser pressure and tyre wake.
* '''Beam Wing (if permitted)''' – assists diffuser activation and rear downforce.

== 3. CFD and Wind Tunnel Correlation ==
Aerodynamic development cycles often alternate between:

* '''Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)''' – virtual simulation of airflow using Navier-Stokes solvers.
* '''Wind Tunnel Testing''' – scaled physical models to validate CFD predictions.

== 4. Aero Philosophy Evolution ==

* '''High-rake vs Low-rake''' (pre-2022)
* '''Ground-effect architecture''' (post-2022 regulations)
* '''Vortex generation vs surface-flow stability'''

== 5. DRS (Drag Reduction System) ==
A system introduced in 2011 that allows the driver to open the rear wing under certain conditions, reducing drag and enabling overtaking. Its effectiveness depends on circuit layout and aero philosophy.

== 6. Notable Limitations ==

* '''Wind Sensitivity''' – crosswinds can destabilise high-downforce configurations.
* '''Dirty Air''' – turbulent wake from leading car reduces following car’s efficiency.
* '''Porpoising''' (2022) – vertical oscillations due to ground-effect rebound instability.

== 7. See Also ==

* [[Chassis and suspension design]]
* [[Correlation between CFD and track data]]
* [[Comparison of aero concepts (Ferrari vs Red Bull)]]