Formula 1 is more than four wheels and an engine. It is the highest technology made available in the quest for maximum speed. But that goes beyond electronic issues, sensors and technological solutions at the highest level. One of the best parts of it, and unfortunately too unknown to the masses, is the invisible. We define one of the pillars of F1: aerodynamics.
F1 cars are the fastest cars in the world, but not because of their speed in a straight line, but because of how quickly they can turn corners, something that cannot be compared to other cars in planet. In the curves, they gain a few seconds and more seconds from other cars or vehicles of all kinds. And all of this is due to the wind, its effect on the vehicle and the route it takes when it goes along with the vehicle.
To understand the uniqueness of this weekend’s event, the Mexican GP, it is key to remember this point. An F1 works unlike an airplane, with wings designed to generate lift in the air. On the other hand, the F1 seeks to get off the ground and stick to it and that is the role of its ailerons. If the F1 is glued to the ground through aerodynamics, which generates a firm grip on the asphalt when cornering. The car doesn’t go away and turns faster.
Current F1 cars generate most of that aerodynamic load through so-called ground effect, and the rest, through spoilers and other elements of the car. Everything on top of the car is completely designed as a package that directs the air above, below and to the sides to achieve the desired effect: to be as fast as possible. A small change in any of those elements, and the direction of the wind can completely change, generating a significant loss of grip.
At altitude everything changes
In Mexico City, it’s all complicated. Because? the key is at the top. The Rodríguez Brothers Circuit is located 2,285 meters above sea level. This means that the air density on this route is lower than the other circuits on the calendar, about 78% lower. So, the force exerted by the same amount of air to provide downforce of the car is less. This explains why Monaco’s maximum load spoilers are used in Mexico, as the air density is so low that they are needed to make the cars work more efficiently. Furthermore, since there is less density, the resistance to movement offered by air is less.
If these maximum load wings were used at Monza, a track full of straights, the speed of the F1 cars there would be lower than that achieved in Mexico. However, in Mexico, with those Monaco spoilers, the F1s reached speeds comparable to Monza, where it was necessary to use minimally loaded wings.
But that’s not all, the lower aerodynamic load of cars, and therefore less grip, also affects the tires, which are subject to greater stress, as well as greater overheating.
The machine is suffering
Aerodynamics is not the only thing affected by lower air density. You also need to pay special attention to the engine and the cooling of the car.
As for the power unit, the most difficult is the turbo. The turbine must spin more to put the same mass of air into the compressor as in another Grand Prix. For its part, the compressor increases the density of air with a higher concentration of oxygen so that the pressurized air gets more power from the combustion engine. So, the propeller works and suffers more than the other routes. Therefore, this track is marked in red regarding its reliability.
Another important point is the cooling of all parts of the car. If the engine works harder, it generates a higher temperature, and therefore, a greater need for cooling. But in less dense air, that task is more complicated. This insufficient cooling not only affects the engine, but also the gearbox, brakes and other components. This indicates that the cars have larger air intakes on this track than others.
Finally, there’s the pilot. The person in charge of the flat out at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez also suffers more at altitude, due to the lower air density and lower pressure, the amount of oxygen is lower and the pilot’s physical effort is greater. Altitude issue
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
