Previously teams had contrived to create flexible wing sections the allowed the ‘slot gap’ to close up under high aerodynamic loads, once this became evident to the governing bodies it was rapidly outlawed. It should however be noted that it is only stalling the trailing edge flow that is beneficial as opposed to stalling the entire wing.

However if the flow over the ‘flap’ section of the wing can be stalled, the lift/drag ratio worsens, but the overall result is a massive drop in the coefficient of lift, resulting in a net reduction in drag, hence the benefits in relation to top speed. If you look at a modern F1 rear wing you can see this concept taken to the extreme, with multi-element wings creating huge amounts of downforce, the downside being a significant drag penalty. If flow is accelerated pressure drops, with the result being a pressure differential between the upper and lower surface of the wing and thus a net downward force, as illustrated below.

At the simplest level a wing generates downforce due to its profile accelerating airflow on its lower surface in relation to the flow over the top surface. Why is the F-Duct beneficial? Basic wing theoryįirst we need to look at some basic aerodynamic theory regarding wing profiles and lift/drag ratios. This speed advantage appears to have given the team the upper hand at the Shanghai circuit, Racecar decided to investigate the theory behind the new system. Remain immobile in relation to the sprung part of the car. The car (rigidly secured means not having any degree of freedom) Must be rigidly secured to the entirely sprung part of.With the basic idea being that the driver is able to alter the airflow over the rear wing, without infringing regulation 3.15 (below), and in doing so gain a speed advantage on straights.ģ.15 Aerodynamic influence : With the exception of the coverĭescribed in Article 6.5.2 (when used in the pit lane), the driverĪdjustable bodywork described in Article 3.18 and the ducts described inĪrticle 11.4, any specific part of the car influencing its aerodynamic

When McLaren’s F-Duct system first appeared in pre-season testing it was hailed by many a a true stroke of genius, a classic example of out-thinking the regulations.

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