Formula One Technology: Haves and Have Nots

Ever wondered why Force India is always at least 0.5 second a lap slower than a Ferrari? From the outside it can seem quite frustrating for a fan of a team like Force India or Williams. Despite sharing engines with Ferrari and now Mercedes, they just cannot compete. So what are the key technological factors that determine a team’s competitiveness in F1 racing?

The Aerodynamics

Wind Tunnel study of Formula 1 Aerodynamics. Source: BMW Sauber team

The most unique thing about F1 cars, as compared to road cars, is the visually distinct car body design. While a showpiece wing on your modified Maruti is utterly useless, it is absolutely vital for the safety and stability of an F1 car. The modern F1 car reaches speeds of 200 miles per hour (320 kmph) regularly. Without those wings, it would just take off like an aeroplane (though without the control). Indeed, the front and rear wings are aeroplane wings fit upside down – effectively pushing the car downwards and keeping it on the ground.

There is a fine balance between between excessive ‘wing’ i.e – downforce which results in slower speed and more pressure on tires, and too little wing – which results in understeer and lack of grip on corners. The front wing angles can be adjusted during a race, but a bad design cannot be corrected so easily.

The importance of Aerodynamics was first demonstrated by the Lotus Team of the late 1970′s. Their car used special wings under the body, hidden by skirts along the sides. This gave them a huge advantage in terms of downforce, and until their secret was discovered, they regularly left their rivals behind.

Complex mathematical equations and empirical studies decide the shape of every curve on the car body and this is a difficult art to perfect. Here, the possession of a wind tunnel, sophisticated Computational Fluid Dynamics facilities and indeed – experience, has traditionally separated the McLarens, Ferraris from the minnows.

Tires

Renault went from Champions to nobodies due to tire supplier change from Michelin to Bridgestone

“Dont reinvent the wheel!” is something that does not hold true in Formula 1. This is the only part of the car which is in contact with the tarmac, and so is obviously very important. Even though all the teams have the same supplier – there is a lot of work that needs to be done to get the most out of this crucial component. Teams who are good at tire management are able to get more grip and endurance out of their tires. The importance of tires was clearly demonstrated when World Champions Renault struggled when regulations forced them to change their supplier from Michelin to Bridgestone in 2007.

Historically, tire selection during wet weather has decided championships. Though this aspect is more tactical than technical, it nevertheless is a key differentiator. On the technical side, engineers have to work with the aerodynamics, suspension and the overall weight distribution to get the most out of the tires.

Personnel

Adrian Newey's designs have worked wonders at McLaren and Red Bull

Perhaps the most important thing in Formula 1 is to have the right people. Technical know-how is crucial in Formula 1. The magnitude of the McLaren/Ferrari spy-gate scandal clearly indicated the high value of technical knowledge.

Vijay Mallya is often criticized by the Indian media for not having enough Indians in the technical team or as drivers. He is smart enough to realize the importance of technical expertise and experience of the engineers and mechanics and for one reason or the other – Indian Engineers have not had too much experience in racing teams.

The best example of the importance of personnel is one man who has been a game changer in Formula 1 is Adrian Newey. Widely regarded as the best engineer in the history of Formula 1, his car designs are a piece of art. He has designed title winning cars with three different teams: Williams, McLaren and most recently – Red Bull Racing.

The Way Forward for the Minnows

Formula 1 is a harsh and competitive environment and odds are usually in favor of the big fish – i.e. the big road car constructors like Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes. But there is hope for the minnows and pure racing teams. Teams like Force India should look at Red Bull for inpiration. The reigning World Champions were struggling a few years ago under the name of Jaguar Racing (formerly Stewart F1). Williams F1 have long been torch bearers for pure racing teams and even though they are in decline at the moment, their experience helps them to adapt to changes and even take advantage. Evergreen teams like Williams exemplify the one crucial factor that is needed for success – persistence.