Apex

The apex is the innermost point of a corner on a racetrack that drivers aim to get as close to as possible when turning, also known as the clipping point.

Think of driving around a corner in your car. Instead of making a sharp turn that follows the inside edge, you naturally swing wide to make the turn smoother and faster. In racing, drivers do the same thing but much more precisely. They enter the corner from the outside edge of the track, aim for one specific point on the inside (the apex), then exit back to the outside.

Hitting the apex correctly is crucial because it allows drivers to maintain the highest possible speed through corners. By touching or getting very close to this inside point, they essentially straighten out the corner, reducing the amount of turning required and keeping their speed up.

The apex isn't always in the exact middle of a corner. Drivers can choose an early apex (turning in sooner), a late apex (turning in later), or a middle apex depending on their strategy. A late apex is often preferred because it allows for earlier acceleration out of the corner and onto the next straight section.

Some complex corners have multiple apex points that drivers must navigate. The racing line - which is the fastest path around the track - connects all these apex points together like a smooth, flowing route.

In real racing situations, drivers sometimes can't hit the perfect apex due to other cars blocking their path, changing track conditions, or when they're setting up for the next corner. However, the apex remains the target point that helps drivers find the fastest way around each turn.

Understanding the apex is fundamental to motorsport because corners are where races are often won or lost, making this concept essential for both drivers and racing fans.