Aerodynamics - Brawn GP and Formula One

The first time aerodynamics was used in FormulaGround Effect Aerodynamics are very
One as a way of making the cars faster, was incomplicated and use the method of creating a
the late 1960's by Lotus, Ferrari and Brabham.vortices on the underbelly of the car. As the
Since those simple days of slight modifications,pressure of the vortices is lower than the
the aerodynamic parts of a formula one car hasatmospheric pressure, the atmosphere effectively
been greatly improved. It is a one way to get anpushes the car down onto the road.
edge over competition and claim a place in theDrag slows the car down in the straights and
winners books, just like Brawn GP likes to do.downforce speeds the car up in corners, but the
The main aim of the Formula One aerodynamicact of wings displacing air to create downforce
parts is to reduce drag and increase downforce.causes drag, which in turn slows down the
Drag is friction on the of the parts on a carstraight line speed of the car. Therefore the
caused by air flowing over it and getting disturbedbalance between drag and downforce has to be
by bumps, creases or any other distorted shapeadjusted at each track, for example at Monza the
that prohibits air flow. This slows the car downsetting will be less downfoce but also less drag, so
and makes accelerating and achieving a high topthe speed of the car will be increased for this high
speed very difficult.speed track.
Downforce is the force that pushes the car downAnother example is Monaco, where the need for
on to the road surface, thereby creating moredownforce is much greater than the need for
grip allowing better traction, and therefore betterstraight line speed as there is many sharp and
cornering abilities. This achieved by one of twobending corners and not very high top speeds are
methods:reached on this track. Therefore the downforce
Wings or Ground Effect Aerodynamics. Wings arewill be great, but drag will also be high.
located at the front and rear of each car, formingFor the time being, Brawn GP has found the
downforce by pushing air upwards and effectivelyperfect balance between drag and downforce on
creating a downward type of thrust.each track, resulting in high finishing positions.