Ground effect explained: how the floor makes downforce

The floor is the most powerful aerodynamic device on the car. Here is how venturi tunnels work. Power units combine a turbocharged V6 with energy recovery systems that harvest under braking and from exhaust heat.

Venturi tunnels

Reliability is designed in from the start: every gram saved has to be balanced against the risk of a failure on track.

We explain technical topics in plain language and avoid guessing at parts we have not seen confirmed.

Upgrades are rarely a single part. A new floor edge can require changes to the sidepods, the beam wing and the suspension fairings.

FormulaKite editorial note

Ride height sensitivity

Modern Formula 1 cars generate most of their downforce from the floor, using shaped tunnels to accelerate air beneath the car.

• Aerodynamics is the key factor in this section.
• Floor explains most of the remaining differences.
• Context from previous seasons helps judge how unusual it is.

Upgrades are rarely a single part. A new floor edge can require changes to the sidepods, the beam wing and the suspension fairings.

Porpoising and bouncing

Wind tunnel time and CFD runs are limited, with less allowed for teams higher in the championship.

Power units combine a turbocharged V6 with energy recovery systems that harvest under braking and from exhaust heat.

This is demo content created to preview the FormulaKite theme. It will be removed before launch.