Downforce

Downforce is a downward aerodynamic force that pushes a race car toward the track surface, increasing tire grip and allowing the car to corner at higher speeds without sliding or losing control.

Think of downforce as the opposite of what keeps an airplane in the air. While airplane wings are designed to create lift that pulls the plane upward, race car aerodynamics work in reverse to create a force that pushes the car down onto the track. This extra downward pressure makes the tires grip the road surface much better, similar to how pressing your hand harder against a table gives you more grip when trying to push something across it.

Race cars generate downforce through several key components. Front and rear wings are shaped like upside-down airplane wings, creating higher air pressure above the wing and lower pressure below. The car's underbody, especially areas called diffusers, also help by speeding up airflow underneath the vehicle, which creates a suction effect that pulls the car downward.

The main benefit of downforce is dramatically improved cornering ability. With more grip from the increased tire contact pressure, drivers can take turns at much higher speeds without the car sliding off the racing line. Downforce also helps with braking performance, as the extra tire grip allows cars to stop more effectively from high speeds.

However, downforce comes with a trade-off. The same aerodynamic features that create downward pressure also create drag, which acts like air resistance and can reduce a car's top speed on straight sections of track. Racing teams must carefully balance how much downforce they want versus how much straight-line speed they're willing to sacrifice.

Formula 1 cars are famous for generating enormous amounts of downforce through their complex wing designs and underbody aerodynamics. Other racing series like sports car racing and touring car championships also use downforce, though typically with less sophisticated systems than top-level open-wheel racing.