F1 Updates Regulations for 2021 Season to Improve Aerodynamics

The 2021 Formula 1 season promises to be an exciting one as the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is set to unveil new regulations and spec updates designed to reduce costs for the teams and make passing on track easier.

One of the new rules involve changing the shape of the cars and limiting how much teams can modify the aerodynamics of their vehicles. FIA released a new video that shows exactly how the new regulations will affect driving dynamics, and along with it, how F1 racing will change from here on out.

As it stands, the current shape of F1 cars leave an air wake that reduces the following car’s downforce by as much as 50 percent. Knowing this, drivers tend to avoid tailing a leading car for too long. It’s safe for drivers, but takes some of the fun out of the chase, according to the F1 people.

The new design has been tested to reduce the aerodynamic wake that cars leave behind while reducing the following downforce by 5 to 10 percent–a massive 40 to 45 percent improvement. To the F1 people, this should allow for more thrilling races once the design is implemented across the board. Their hope is that cars will follow closer, thereby adding excitement to the races.

F1 organizers are quick to emphasize that the new design is far from final. They say that improvements to the front wing still need to be done. Other upcoming changes include a new rear wing design, remodeled floor, and bigger wheels.