How Does Ground Effects Work In Formula 1?

There have been countless leaps in the evolution of car performance throughout Formula 1’s 70+ years of history. The innovative designs of Colin Chapman’s Lotus Cars’ harnessed the area underneath the car to create downforce through ground effects, which was one of the primary evolutionary leaps that pushed the sport forward.

The idea behind ground effects took advantage of the concept of downforce. Inverted wings above the car, for example, facilitate downforce, which pushes the vehicle down towards the track to improve grip during cornering. The evolution of ground effects began when designers realized creating a similar low-pressure area between the car and the ground would produce the same result.

Colin Chapman: Ground Effects Pioneer

The man responsible for translating this idea into reality was Colin Chapman, the late founder of Lotus. Motor racing historians will note that he was not the first person to use the suction generated by ground effects to make cars corner quicker: Jim Hall’s Chaparral 2J used this principle to great effect in the Can-Am sportscar series as far back as 1970.

Hall’s design created a low-pressure area underneath the car by removing the air from beneath the vehicle with a pair of gigantic fans. Rival teams were not pleased and claimed that the fans used constituted as moveable aerodynamic devices and thus were breaches of regulation. Can-Am’s organizing body agreed with this appraisal and had Hall’s cars banned at the end of the season.

Around the same time that this was occurring, the BRM F1 team worked on a car whose unique broad shape was an inverted wing. Chief designer Tony Rudd oversaw this innovation. It provided Peter Wright, an aerodynamicist, complete freedom in developing this secret project. Ultimately, however, it never saw the light of day: management decided that the BRM F1’s project was detracting from their work on the P139 chassis.

Bringing Ground Effects Into F1

The first to make underbody aerodynamics work for F1 was Chapman, whose inspiration was sparked while on vacation in 1975. After his epiphany, he put Wright on the job, setting into motion the project that would eventually become the first ground effects Lotus: the legendary Lotus 78, developed in 1977.

Little was made evident from merely looking at the vehicle. It took opposing teams a large portion of the 1977 season to understand what made these cars driven by Mario Andretti and Gunnar Nilsson, reach such impressive speeds. Andretti and Nilsson took one and four wins, respectively, during the season. If the Lotus 78 was more reliable overall, Andretti could have potentially been champion rather than Niki Lauda of Ferrari.

Chapman’s goal with the Lotus 78 was to accelerate the outward airflow through the vehicle’s rear using the venturi effect. The venturi effect dictates that if a flow of air is constricted, it will speed up, and its pressure will consequently decrease. This phenomenon reduces the air pressure beneath the car and creates downforce, also known as negative lift.

The Lotus 78’s side pods were sculpted like inverted wings, with their profile rising towards the vehicle’s rear to create the venture shape, which accelerated airflow underneath the car out towards the back. Air could escape from the car’s sides, which reduced the venturi effect without a clear solution for this design aspect. Chapman, along with designers Rudd, Wright, and Ralph Bellamy, designed the 78 with longer side pods than the competitors’ vehicles to prevent the venturi effect’s diminishing. To this end, they ran curtains–first made of bristles, and later on, solid sliding units–to create a seal between the track and the side pod bases.

The design team had a eureka moment when, during an experiment in a wind tunnel, the tunnel’s movable floor had risen and attached itself to the car’s underside. This impressive suction capability was proof enough of the design’s effectiveness. However, one significant drawback to sculpting the vehicle to capitalize on ground effects became apparent: it could not reach its high speeds while driving in a straight line. However, the Lotus 78 more than made up for this shortcoming in unmatched manoeuvrability while navigating turns.

Championship Successes

If the iconic Lotus 78 was the car that introduced ground effects to Formula 1, then its spiritual successor, the 79, was the car that optimized its use. Data released many years later revealed that what made the 79’s ground effects so effective was that it created 200 pounds of downforce from its rear wings, coupled with 100 pounds from the front wings when the vehicle was travelling at 150 miles per hour. A whopping 400 pounds of force was applied from underneath the car to facilitate unmatched ground effects. This figure rose to 600 pounds the next year, with the grounds effects downforce eventually peaking at an unthinkable 2,400 pounds.

Thanks to Andretti and teammate Ronnie Peterson’s skilled handling, Lotus took home two races in 1978 and six in 1979. Andretti enjoyed the honour of becoming a world champion, with Peterson following close behind as a runner-up despite his unfortunate passing at Monza two rounds before the race’s end.

Competing teams, including McLaren, did not see the same level of immediate success as Lotus did with their first ground-effects vehicles. Others, like Brabham, retooled the idea, taking on a design philosophy closer to that of the Chapparal 2J, which inspired the creation of the BT46B for the Swedish GP. What made this design noteworthy was the gargantuan rear fan made to pull air up from underneath the vehicle. While this novel design was successful, its life on the track lasted only one race, in which Niki Lauda piloted it and won. Shortly after Lauda’s victory, the BT46B was prohibited from competitions due to questions about its legality.

Despite these hurdles, however, ground effects vehicles coupled with overwhelming horsepower were a mainstay until the end of the 1982 F1 season. From 1983 onward, the FIA adjusted its regulations so that all Formula 1 vehicles would have flat undercarriages, which spelt the end of the ground effects era.

Reintroduction of Ground Effects in 2022

In 2022, Formula 1 underwent one of its most significant regulatory changes in decades, with the reintroduction of ground effect aerodynamics. This move was aimed at improving the overall competitiveness of the sport by allowing cars to follow each other more closely and enhancing the spectacle of racing.

Reasons for the Reintroduction

The primary motivation behind bringing back ground effects was to address the issue of “dirty air.” In previous years, the complex aerodynamic designs of F1 cars created turbulent air behind them, making it difficult for trailing cars to maintain downforce and overtake. This led to processional races with limited on-track action. The 2022 regulations sought to simplify the aerodynamics and make the cars less reliant on upper body aero components, thus reducing the dirty air effect.

Technical Changes

The 2022 cars feature a completely redesigned floor that generates a significant portion of the car’s downforce through ground effect principles. This involves using the car’s floor to channel airflow in a way that creates low pressure underneath, effectively sucking the car to the ground. The key technical changes include:

• Venturi Tunnels: The car’s floor now includes Venturi tunnels that accelerate the airflow underneath, creating a low-pressure zone that increases downforce without the need for complex upper body aerodynamics.
• Simplified Front and Rear Wings: The front and rear wings have been simplified to reduce their impact on the airflow to the car behind, further mitigating the dirty air issue.
• Wheel Covers and Deflectors: New wheel covers and deflectors help manage the airflow around the tires, which are a significant source of aerodynamic turbulence.

These changes were designed to make the racing closer and more exciting by allowing cars to follow each other more closely without losing significant performance.

Certainly! Here’s a full section on the technical details of the 2022 ground effect cars:

Technical Details of Modern Ground Effect Cars

The reintroduction of ground effect aerodynamics in the 2022 Formula 1 season brought significant changes to the design and performance of the cars. These changes were aimed at enhancing the racing experience by allowing cars to follow more closely and reducing the impact of turbulent air. Here, we delve into the technical specifics that define modern ground effect cars.

Venturi Tunnels and Underfloor Design

One of the most notable features of the 2022 cars is the use of Venturi tunnels in the underfloor design. These tunnels are shaped to accelerate the airflow underneath the car, creating a low-pressure area that increases downforce. This method of generating downforce is more efficient and less disruptive to the airflow behind the car compared to the complex upper body aerodynamics used in previous designs.

• Venturi Effect: The Venturi effect involves constricting the airflow in a tunnel, which increases its velocity and decreases its pressure. This principle is harnessed in the Venturi tunnels to create significant downforce while maintaining a smoother airflow around the car.

Simplified Aerodynamic Components

To complement the ground effect floor, the 2022 regulations also mandated simpler aerodynamic components on the car’s body. This includes:

• Front Wing: The front wing design has been simplified to reduce the creation of turbulent air. It now features fewer elements and a more straightforward shape, which helps manage the airflow more effectively and directs it towards the Venturi tunnels.
• Rear Wing: The rear wing has also been redesigned to produce a cleaner wake. Its shape and position are optimized to work in harmony with the ground effect floor, reducing the overall aerodynamic drag and turbulence.

Wheel Covers and Deflectors

New wheel covers and deflectors have been introduced to manage the airflow around the tires. Tires are a significant source of aerodynamic drag and turbulence, and these new components help streamline the airflow:

• Wheel Covers: These covers help smooth the airflow over the rotating wheels, reducing the aerodynamic drag and the turbulent wake behind the car.
• Deflectors: Positioned around the wheels, these deflectors guide the airflow more effectively, minimizing the disruption caused by the tires.

Impact on Performance

The combination of these technical changes has led to cars that are not only more aerodynamically efficient but also better suited for close racing. By generating a significant portion of their downforce through the underfloor Venturi tunnels, modern cars experience less aerodynamic loss when following another car closely. This has resulted in more overtaking opportunities and a more competitive racing environment.

Impact on Racing Dynamics

The reintroduction of ground effect aerodynamics for the 2022 Formula 1 season significantly influenced the dynamics of racing. This section explores how these changes have affected overtaking, tire wear, and overall racing performance, along with feedback from drivers and teams.

Overtaking and Close Racing

One of the primary goals of the current regulations was to facilitate closer racing and more overtaking opportunities. By reducing the disruptive “dirty air” generated by the cars, the new ground effect designs have made it easier for drivers to follow closely behind their rivals. This has led to more exciting races with increased wheel-to-wheel action.

• Driver Feedback: Many drivers have noted the positive impact of the new regulations on racing quality. For example, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes stated, “It’s definitely easier to follow another car closely, and that has improved the racing significantly”. Similarly, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen remarked, “The new cars allow for more overtaking and better battles on track, which is great for the fans”.

Tire Wear and Management

The new aerodynamic regulations have also impacted tire wear and management. The reduced dependency on complex upper body aerodynamics means that the tires are subjected to more consistent downforce levels, which can help in managing tire degradation over a race distance.

• Team Feedback: Teams have observed that the more stable aerodynamic platform provided by the ground effect designs has helped in optimizing tire performance. Mercedes’ team principal, Toto Wolff, mentioned, “The new regulations have allowed us to better manage tire wear, which is crucial for race strategy”.

Performance and Handling

The shift to ground effect aerodynamics has also influenced the handling characteristics of the cars. Drivers have had to adapt to the new downforce generation methods, which can affect the car’s behavior, especially in high-speed corners.

• Driver Feedback: Some drivers have highlighted the need to adjust their driving styles to suit the new cars. McLaren’s Lando Norris stated, “The cars feel different, especially in high-speed corners where the ground effect is most noticeable. It takes some getting used to, but overall, it’s a positive change”.

Overall Racing Dynamics

Overall, the reintroduction of ground effects has been widely regarded as a success in terms of improving the racing spectacle. The ability to follow more closely has led to more competitive races and has been well-received by both drivers and teams.

• Team Feedback: Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Christian Horner, commented, “The new regulations have achieved their goal of making the racing more exciting. We’ve seen more overtakes and closer battles, which is fantastic for the sport”.

The changes have facilitated closer racing, improved tire management, and introduced new handling characteristics, all of which have contributed to a more thrilling and competitive racing environment.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the reintroduction of ground-effect aerodynamics has brought many positive changes, it has also introduced a set of challenges and criticisms. One of the most significant issues that teams encountered early in the 2022 season was ‘porpoising.’

Porpoising Issues

Porpoising is a phenomenon where the car experiences a cyclical bouncing motion at high speeds. This occurs due to the ground effect aerodynamics: as the car’s floor generates downforce, it gets pulled closer to the track surface. If the car gets too close, the airflow underneath stalls, causing a sudden loss of downforce and the car to rise. This cycle repeats, leading to a bouncing motion.

• Impact on Performance: Porpoising not only affects the car’s aerodynamic efficiency but also compromises the driver’s ability to control the vehicle, leading to a loss of performance. The bouncing can be severe enough to cause physical discomfort and potential injury to drivers.
• Team Feedback: Early in the 2022 season, several teams struggled with porpoising. Mercedes, in particular, faced significant challenges. Lewis Hamilton described the experience as “the worst thing I’ve ever felt in a racing car,” noting the physical toll it took during races. Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, acknowledged the issue, stating, “Porpoising has been a major challenge for us, and it’s something we are working hard to solve”.

Solutions and Adjustments

Teams have had to innovate and adapt quickly to mitigate the effects of porpoising. Various solutions have been tested and implemented throughout the season, including adjustments to the car’s suspension and aerodynamic setup.

• Technical Adjustments: Teams have experimented with different suspension settings, such as increasing the stiffness of the suspension or altering the ride height, to reduce the severity of porpoising. Additionally, some teams have modified their aerodynamic components to manage airflow more effectively and prevent the car from getting too close to the ground.
• Regulatory Changes: The FIA has also intervened to help teams address porpoising. Midway through the 2022 season, they introduced new technical directives aimed at setting limits on the vertical oscillations of the cars, ensuring that teams maintain a safer ride height.

Criticisms and Future Considerations

Despite the overall success of the new regulations, the initial porpoising issues highlighted some areas for improvement. Teams and drivers have called for ongoing adjustments to ensure that the cars remain safe and competitive.

• Driver Safety: The physical impact of porpoising on drivers has been a major concern. George Russell of Mercedes emphasized the need for regulatory bodies to prioritize driver safety, stating, “We need to make sure that the regulations evolve to prevent such issues in the future”.
• Future Developments: The FIA and teams are continuously working on refining the regulations to mitigate any unforeseen issues. Future changes may include further adjustments to aerodynamic rules and more stringent safety measures to prevent similar problems from arising.

While the reintroduction of ground effects in 2022 has largely been a success, the challenges such as porpoising have underscored the need for ongoing innovation and regulatory oversight. Teams have made significant strides in addressing these issues, ensuring that the sport continues to evolve and improve.

Future Developments and Adjustments: Looking Ahead to 2026

As Formula 1 continues to evolve, the upcoming 2026 regulations promise to bring further significant changes aimed at enhancing the sport’s competitiveness, sustainability, and overall spectacle.

Key Changes in the 2026 Regulations

The 2026 regulations will introduce several important changes to the cars’ design, power units, and aerodynamics, with a focus on sustainability and improved racing dynamics.

• Power Units: The new regulations will see the introduction of more efficient and sustainable power units. These will feature a greater reliance on electrical energy, with an increase in the power output from the hybrid systems. Additionally, the engines will run on fully sustainable fuels, underscoring Formula 1’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Aerodynamic Changes: The 2026 cars will continue to utilize ground effect aerodynamics but with refinements to enhance performance and safety. Active aerodynamics, including adjustable front and rear wings, will be introduced to reduce drag and improve efficiency. These changes aim to further reduce the impact of dirty air and facilitate closer racing.
• Car Dimensions and Weight: The new regulations will also see a reduction in the weight and size of the cars. This move is intended to make the cars more nimble and responsive, improving their handling characteristics and making them more exciting to drive and watch.

Addressing Porpoising and Other Challenges

The 2026 regulations have been designed with the feedback from the 2022 season in mind, particularly regarding the porpoising issues that plagued teams early on. The new rules will include measures to prevent such problems from recurring.

• Enhanced Suspension Systems: The regulations will allow for more advanced suspension systems that can better manage the aerodynamic loads and minimize the risk of porpoising. This includes adaptive suspension technologies that can adjust in real-time to varying track conditions.
• Stricter Aerodynamic Testing: Teams will be required to conduct more rigorous aerodynamic testing to ensure that their cars meet the new standards. This will include wind tunnel tests and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to identify and mitigate any potential issues before they arise.

Sustainability and Innovation

The 2026 regulations reflect Formula 1’s commitment to sustainability and technological innovation. By incorporating fully sustainable fuels and increasing the reliance on hybrid power, the sport aims to reduce its carbon footprint and set a benchmark for automotive engineering.

• Sustainable Fuels: The shift to fully sustainable fuels is a major step towards reducing the environmental impact of Formula 1. These fuels will be developed to provide high performance while minimizing emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
• Innovation Incentives: The new regulations will encourage innovation by providing teams with more freedom to develop their power units and aerodynamic solutions within the sustainable framework. This will drive technological advancements that can have broader applications beyond the sport.

The 2026 Formula 1 regulations promise to build on the successes and lessons learned between 2022 and 2025. With a focus on sustainability, improved racing dynamics, and addressing past challenges, these changes aim to ensure that Formula 1 remains at the forefront of motorsport innovation and excitement.